Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Get ready to fall in love at first bite—these homemade cinnamon rolls are irresistibly soft, ultra fluffy, and bursting with a gooey cinnamon swirl in every layer. It’s pure comfort with every forkful!

With their rich, buttery dough and indulgent vanilla cream cheese icing, these cinnamon rolls are destined to become your new weekend or holiday breakfast tradition. The intoxicating aroma as they bake is honestly reason enough to make them!

What makes this recipe a must-try? It balances ease and bakery-level perfection: approachable for beginners, but sure to impress with its heavenly, pillowy texture and bold, classic cinnamon-sugar flavor. Perfect for brunch, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself on a cozy morning.

Inspired by my family’s Sunday brunches, these cinnamon rolls are a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fluffy, bakery-style rolls every single time
• Loaded with gooey cinnamon-sugar filling for big flavor
• Easy-to-follow, foolproof instructions—perfect for beginners
• Creamy homemade icing that melts right into the rolls
• Impresses everyone at the table, from breakfast to dessert

Key Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Active Dry Yeast

This is the secret to achieving that light, airy texture. The yeast works to leaven the dough, helping your cinnamon rolls rise and become supremely fluffy. For best results, make sure your yeast is fresh—proof it in warm milk to kickstart the process. Instant yeast can also be used; just mix it directly with the flour.

Whole Milk

Milk enriches the dough and creates a tender crumb. Warm it just enough to be slightly above body temperature (about 110°F). You could substitute with 2 percent milk in a pinch, but whole milk yields the richest, softest rolls.

Butter

Butter adds both flavor and moisture, making each bite decadent. For the filling, be sure to use softened (not melted) butter so it spreads easily across the dough. Unsalted butter is ideal, but if using salted, just reduce added salt in the recipe.

Brown Sugar

Such a key player in that gooey cinnamon swirl! Brown sugar brings out caramel notes and extra moisture. While light brown sugar is classic, you can use dark brown for deeper molasses undertones.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is the star of the iconic frosting—making it tangy, smooth, and luscious. For best results, let it come to room temperature before mixing so your icing whips up perfectly creamy. If you prefer, you can swap in mascarpone or make a simple vanilla glaze instead.

Instructions for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Proof the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes. The mixture should become foamy—this means your yeast is active and ready!

Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment on medium speed.

Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour as needed. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled.

Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, make the filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined into a thick paste.

Shape and Fill the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.

Roll Up and Slice

Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 8 even pieces using a serrated knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

Second Rise

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover loosely and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes, until puffy.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. If needed, tent with foil halfway to prevent over-browning.

Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, then add milk as needed to reach a thick but pourable consistency.

Frost and Serve

Spread the icing generously over the warm rolls right out of the oven so it melts into every swirl. Serve warm and enjoy the pillowy, gooey deliciousness!

Recipe Variations

Make Them Overnight

Short on time in the morning? Prepare the rolls the night before through the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for about 30–45 minutes, then bake as directed for fresh, warm rolls with zero brunch stress.

Go Nutty

For a delightful crunch, sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up the dough. Toasted nuts really take these to the next level!

Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Swap out the milk, butter, and cream cheese for your favorite plant-based alternatives, and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacer. You’ll still get soft, fluffy, dairy-free rolls with all the classic flavor.

Gluten-Free Version

Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and be sure to check that all other ingredients (especially yeast) are gluten-free as well. The rolls will be just as comforting and delicious!

Try Different Fillings

Get creative with the filling by adding mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a little orange zest for a fun twist. The options are endless!

Serving Suggestions

Homemade cinnamon rolls shine brightest with a hot cup of coffee or tea and some fresh seasonal fruit on the side. For a more decadent brunch spread, serve alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fruit salad. Top each roll with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of toasted nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flair.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes. You can also freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight and ice before serving for fresh-baked flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (FAQ)

Q: Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 30–45 minutes before baking.

Q: Can I freeze baked cinnamon rolls?
A: Yes, you can. Freeze the unfrosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before adding icing.

Q: My dough didn't rise—what went wrong?
A: Usually, this means the yeast was old or the milk was too hot or too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh and your milk is warm but not hot to the touch (about 110°F).

If you’re looking for the ultimate sweet breakfast treat, these homemade cinnamon rolls are truly unbeatable. They’re soft, gooey, and just the thing to make any morning extra special. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how they turn out in the comments—your feedback and ratings make my day!