These Soft and Fluffy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are warm, tender, buttery, and filled with a delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture. The dough is made with simple pantry ingredients and baked until lightly golden, while the inside stays soft and pillowy. Finished with a creamy glaze, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or a comforting homemade dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Creamy Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by warming the milk until it feels warm but not hot. Add the yeast and a teaspoon of the sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes. The yeast should become slightly foamy, which indicates that it is active.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and activated yeast mixture. Stir until the ingredients come together and a soft dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 7–10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels very sticky, add a little flour at a time, but avoid adding too much because this can make the finished rolls dense.
2. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Leave it in a warm, draft-free place for about 1–1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
The rising time can vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen. A warm environment helps the yeast work more quickly.
3. Make the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release excess air. Roll it into a rectangle approximately ¼-inch thick.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
4. Roll and Cut
Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Try to keep the roll even as you work.
Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into approximately 10–12 equal pieces.
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover them and allow them to rise again for about 30–45 minutes, until they look puffy.
5. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the centers are cooked through. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the rolls to lose their soft texture.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the rolls to cool for several minutes.
6. Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add a little more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze.
Drizzle or spread the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Tips for Extra-Soft Cinnamon Rolls
For the softest texture, avoid adding excessive flour while kneading. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky rather than stiff. Make sure your milk is warm rather than hot, since very hot liquid can interfere with the yeast.
Allowing the rolls to complete both rises is also important. The second rise helps create a light, fluffy interior instead of a heavy or compact texture.
For an extra-indulgent finish, serve the cinnamon rolls while they are still slightly warm, when the cinnamon filling is fragrant and the glaze becomes wonderfully creamy.
Storage
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for several days. Warm individual rolls gently in the microwave before serving. You can also freeze unbaked or baked rolls for longer storage.
These homemade cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but with proper storage, they can make a delicious make-ahead breakfast or sweet treat for busy mornings.