Soft, warm, and sweet, these homemade Cinnamon Rolls are filled with cinnamon sugar and finished with a simple creamy glaze. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy weekend treat. The dough is easy to prepare, and the rolls come out soft and flavorful when served warm.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. Add the melted butter and egg, then mix.
Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and soft.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has increased in size.
3. Prepare the Filling
Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Keep the softened butter ready for spreading.
4. Roll Out the Dough
Place the risen dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle, approximately 12 × 16 inches.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
5. Roll the Dough
Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
Cut the log into about 10–12 equal pieces.
6. Arrange the Rolls
Place the rolls in a lightly greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover and let them rest for another 20–30 minutes.
7. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
8. Make the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Add the Glaze
Let the cinnamon rolls cool for a few minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure the milk is warm, not extremely hot, when adding the yeast.
- Do not add too much flour because it can make the rolls heavy.
- Roll the dough evenly so the cinnamon filling is distributed throughout.
- Give the rolls enough time to rise for a softer texture.
- Add the glaze while the rolls are still slightly warm.
Serving Ideas
Serve Cinnamon Rolls warm with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. You can also add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare cinnamon rolls the night before?
Yes. You can prepare and shape the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate them overnight. Let them sit at room temperature before baking.
How do I keep cinnamon rolls soft?
Store them in an airtight container once they have cooled. Reheat individual rolls briefly when serving.
Can I add nuts?
Yes. Chopped pecans or walnuts make a delicious addition to the cinnamon filling.
Why are my cinnamon rolls hard?
Using too much flour or overbaking can make cinnamon rolls hard. Add flour gradually and bake only until lightly golden.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 10–12 rolls
- Difficulty: Medium
Final Recipe Note
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a comforting treat with a soft center, warm cinnamon filling, and sweet glaze. They are especially delicious when served fresh from the oven and make a wonderful addition to a weekend breakfast or brunch.