The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls – Soft, Fluffy & Irresistible
If you’ve been searching for the best homemade cinnamon rolls, you’ve just found them! These soft, fluffy, and gooey cinnamon rolls are packed with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat with coffee.
This easy cinnamon roll recipe includes step-by-step instructions, overnight and make-ahead options, and tips on how to freeze them for later. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought or Cinnabon again!
Check this Lamingtons recipe, you will love it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Fluffy: The perfect cinnamon rolls should be pillowy soft with a gooey center.
- Rich Cinnamon Flavor: The filling is loaded with brown sugar and cinnamon, giving them a deep, caramelized flavor.
- Perfectly Sweet Icing: Choose between a classic cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of condensed milk with chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Easy to Make: This homemade cinnamon roll dough is simple to prepare, and I’ll share tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can make the dough ahead, refrigerate overnight, or freeze for later.
Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
For the Dough:
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C) – activates the yeast
- ½ cup warm water
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 2–3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Icing:
Option 1: Classic Cream Cheese Glaze
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 100 grams Greek yogurt or cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Option 2: Caramel or Chocolate Drizzle
- Condensed milk
- Chocolate syrup or caramel sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Make the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vegetable oil, and salt, then whisk to combine.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave.
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together.
Step 3: Shape the Cinnamon Rolls
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12x18-inch rectangle.
- Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the surface.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 even pieces.
Step 4: Second Rise & Bake
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving some space between each roll.
- Cover and let them rise for another 15–30 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.
Step 5: Prepare the Icing
- For the cream cheese glaze: Beat together butter, yogurt (or cream cheese), powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- For the alternative topping: Drizzle condensed milk with chocolate syrup or caramel sauce over the warm rolls.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Once baked, let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly before spreading the icing on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls
- Use Warm Liquid: Ensure the milk and water are warm (not hot!) to help the yeast activate.
- Knead Well: A well-kneaded dough will create the fluffiest rolls.
- Let the Dough Rise Properly: Don’t rush the rise time – this ensures soft and airy cinnamon rolls.
- Evenly Spread the Filling: To get that gooey cinnamon center in every bite, spread the filling evenly over the dough.
- Cut with Dental Floss: This prevents squishing the rolls and keeps them evenly shaped.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions
Overnight Cinnamon Rolls:
- Prepare the rolls up to Step 3 (before the second rise).
- Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes, then bake as directed.
Freezing Unbaked Cinnamon Rolls:
- After shaping the rolls, place them on a baking tray and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise at room temperature, then bake.
Freezing Baked Cinnamon Rolls:
- Bake as usual, then let them cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
Common Questions About Cinnamon Rolls
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step and mix it directly into the flour.
Why are my cinnamon rolls dense instead of fluffy?
This usually happens if the dough didn’t rise properly. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and allow enough time for both rises.
How do I make my cinnamon rolls gooey?
To keep the rolls extra gooey, slightly underbake them and generously spread icing while they’re warm.
Final Thoughts
These homemade cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to be the best you’ve ever tried! Perfect for weekend brunch, holidays, or whenever you need a sweet treat, they are soft, fluffy, and filled with warm cinnamon goodness.
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