There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen, and these homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and absolutely irresistible.
With a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, fluffy dough, and a creamy vanilla glaze, they rival (and surpass!) anything you’ll find at a bakery.
Perfect for special breakfasts, weekend treats, or holiday mornings, serve these warm with coffee, milk, or fresh fruit on the side for a truly comforting experience.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Dough scraper or knife
- 9×13 inch Baking dish
- Stand mixer with dough hook optional, can knead by hand
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Small saucepan for melting butter
- Mixing bowl for glaze
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk 110°F
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- tsp salt
Filling:
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 2½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk to desired consistency
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.Make the Dough:Add eggs and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix well. Stir in flour and salt, mixing until dough begins to form. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.First Rise:Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling:In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.Roll and Fill the Dough:Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface. Roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter.
- Shape the Rolls:Roll the dough tightly from the long side. Cut into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dough cutter.Second Rise:Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.Bake:Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze:While rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.Glaze and Serve:Spread glaze over warm rolls right out of the oven. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Serving Size | 1 roll (~130g) |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Sodium | 230 mg |
| Potassium | 120 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Vitamin A | 650 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg |
| Calcium | 45 mg |
| Iron | 2.3 mg |
Cooking Tips
- Make Ahead: After shaping the rolls and placing in the pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking in the morning.
- Extra Gooey: Add a drizzle of heavy cream over the rolls just before baking for an ultra-soft texture.
- Flavor Twist: Add chopped pecans or raisins to the filling for a nutty or fruity variation.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they stay soft and moist.
Drink Pairings for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
To complement the rich, sweet, and spiced flavors of homemade cinnamon rolls, choosing the right beverage can elevate your entire eating experience. A classic pairing is a freshly brewed cup of coffee, whether it’s a bold espresso, creamy latte, or lightly sweetened cold brew.
The slight bitterness of coffee perfectly balances the sweetness of the rolls, and the warmth enhances the cozy, cinnamon-laced aroma.
For non-caffeinated options, chai tea or spiced herbal teas (like cinnamon apple or rooibos) make a delightful match, echoing the cinnamon notes in the rolls. If you’re serving these for a brunch or special occasion, a glass of cold milk, dairy or plant-based, is a traditional and satisfying choice, especially for kids.
Want to impress guests? Try a vanilla cream cold brew or a mimosa with fresh orange juice for a festive twist. The bright acidity of citrus helps cut through the richness of the glaze and filling, making every bite feel fresh.
Summary
Few things compare to the satisfaction of pulling a tray of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls out of your own oven.
With soft, fluffy dough, buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, and a creamy glaze melting into every swirl, these homemade rolls deliver everything you crave in a bakery-style treat, only fresher and more flavorful.
Perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunch, or whenever a little comfort is needed, they’re a treat everyone will remember.
Once you make them, it’s hard to go back to store-bought. Try them once, and they might just become a permanent part of your baking routine.
Read More: A faster and simpler alternative to these can be 45-minute holiday dinner rolls, make it faster and still blow away your family over how tasty your holiday is!
I’m Leo McIntyre, and my love for cooking was born in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I discovered the magic of traditional Southern recipes. Inspired by her passion and the flavors of my childhood, I started SouthernParm to share these treasured family dishes and keep the rich culinary traditions of the South alive for everyone to enjoy.
