There’s nothing quite like the warm, sweet scent of homemade cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. These Amazing Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re a hug in dough form! Perfect for Sunday brunch, a cozy family breakfast, or a sweet gesture to brighten someone’s day, this recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite in your home. What makes these rolls so special is their airy texture, gooey filling, and a dreamy glaze that drips over the top.

What Makes This Recipe Special

These cinnamon rolls shine for several reasons. First and foremost, making them at home allows you to indulge in warm, fresh rolls without the hefty price of a bakery. They’re budget-friendly and customizable, ensuring that you can delight your family with a treat that fits your taste—be it classic or creative!

They’re perfect for a variety of occasions, whether it’s a lazy weekend morning, a festive holiday gathering, or simply a midweek pick-me-up. There’s a special joy in making cinnamon rolls from scratch; kneading the dough, watching it rise, and embracing the intoxicating aroma that fills your home is an experience that elevates your cooking game.

“These cinnamon rolls are the best I’ve ever made! Fluffy, sweet, and the glaze is to die for!”

The Cooking Process Explained

Making Amazing Homemade Cinnamon Rolls is a fulfilling adventure that involves a few simple steps, but trust me, rewarding outcomes await you. Begin by activating the yeast, which sets the stage for the dough to rise beautifully. Then, mix your dry ingredients, and bring in the melted butter for that rich flavor. After kneading, letting the dough rise is the key to achieving those fluffy rolls.

Finally, prepare your cinnamon and sugar filling, roll it all up, and slice them into perfection. Bake until golden, glaze generously, and you’ll have a batch of cinnamon rolls that beckon for a taste!

Gather These Items

To make Amazing Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need:

• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour (330g)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (56g)
• 2 tbsp. butter, unsalted or salted (30g)
• 1 large egg
• 1 package active dry or instant yeast (or 2¼ tsp. (7g))
• ½ cup warm water (118ml)
• ¼ cup milk (59ml)
• 1 tsp. salt (4g)
• ⅔ cup brown sugar (149g)
• ¼ cup butter, unsalted or salted (56g), softened
• 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon (15g)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract (about 5 ml)
• 1½ cups powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar) (180g)
• ¼ cup butter (56g), melted
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract (5ml)
• 2-3 tbsp. milk (30-45ml)

*Tip: If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar works perfectly as a substitute.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and water, heating it to about 105°F to 115°F (40°C to 44°C). Add a teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then set aside.
3. Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter (don’t let it get too hot) and mix it with the activated yeast and the remaining sugar. Whisk until combined.
4. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl and whisk in the egg. Slowly add the flour mixture, mixing until it forms a tacky dough.
5. Knead the dough in the bowl for a few minutes, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth, adding flour if it gets sticky.
6. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Roll out the dough and spread the softened butter on top. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, then sprinkle this over the buttered dough. Roll the dough tightly.
8. Slice the roll into about 12 pieces using dental floss or a knife, and place them into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover again and allow them to rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, baste the top with melted butter. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool slightly.
10. While the rolls are cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing together the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk—add more milk for a thinner glaze. Drizzle it over warm rolls and they are ready to enjoy!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These amazing cinnamon rolls are delectable on their own but can be even better when served with a side of fresh fruit or a hot cup of coffee. For an extra touch, add some chopped nuts to your filling or sprinkle some chocolate chips for a sweet twist.

How to Store & Freeze

To store your cinnamon rolls, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. They can also be frozen before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.

Pro Chef Tips

For the best outcome, temperature matters. Ensuring your liquids are at the right warmth helps activate the yeast quickly, allowing the dough to rise beautifully. Don’t rush the kneading and rising phases—these are crucial for achieving fluffy, light rolls. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook can save you time and effort.

Creative Twists

Want to change it up? Try adding a cream cheese filling for a tasty twist, or infuse some shift with cardamom or nutmeg in place of cinnamon. For toppings, think about drizzling caramel or adding a dollop of whipped cream cheese frosting!

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make cinnamon rolls from scratch?

The entire process typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, including rising time. Most of that time involves waiting for the dough to double in size.

Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?

Absolutely! After kneading, cover your dough and place it in the fridge. Just remember to let it come back to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Can I make cinnamon rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum to help give the dough structure.

Amazing Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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Delight in warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls topped with a dreamy glaze, perfect for any occasion.

• Prep Time: 60 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour (330g)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (56g)
• 2 tbsp. butter, unsalted or salted (30g)
• 1 large egg
• 1 package active dry or instant yeast (or 2¼ tsp. (7g))
• ½ cup warm water (118ml)
• ¼ cup milk (59ml)
• 1 tsp. salt (4g)
• ⅔ cup brown sugar (149g)
• ¼ cup butter, unsalted or salted (56g), softened
• 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon (15g)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract (about 5ml)
• 1½ cups powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar) (180g)
• ¼ cup butter (56g), melted
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract (5ml)
• 2–3 tbsp. milk (30-45ml)

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and water (around 105°F to 115°F or 40°C to 44°C). Add a teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then set aside.
3. Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter and mix it with the activated yeast and remaining sugar. Whisk until combined.
4. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl, and whisk in the egg. Slowly add the flour mixture, mixing until it forms a tacky dough.
5. Knead the dough in the bowl for a few minutes, then turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth, adding flour if sticky.
6. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
7. Roll out the dough and spread softened butter on top. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl, then sprinkle over the buttered dough. Roll the dough tightly.
8. Slice the roll into about 12 pieces and place them into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover again and let rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, baste the top with melted butter. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
10. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk, adding more milk for a thinner glaze. Drizzle it over warm rolls and enjoy!

Notes

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg