Looking for a Cinnamon Rolls recipe that’s both easy and absolutely delicious? This guide will help you make soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced rolls using three essential components: the dough, the cinnamon-sugar filling, and the creamy frosting.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup whole milk (room temperature)
1/4 cup water (room temperature)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 large egg (room temperature)
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
⏱ Time Table
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Dough Preparation | 15 minutes |
| First Rise | 1–1.5 hours |
| Filling Preparation | 5 minutes |
| Shaping Rolls | 15 minutes |
| Second Rise | 30–45 minutes |
| Baking | 20–25 minutes |
| Frosting | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | ~2.5–3 hours |
| Servings | 12 rolls |
🥣 How to Make Cinnamon Rolls
- Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, water, melted butter, and the egg. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Make the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth. For extra texture, fold in chopped nuts if desired. This filling is what makes your Cinnamon Rolls irresistibly flavorful.
- Shape the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly from one end. Cut into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
- Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. The aroma of fresh Cinnamon Rolls will fill your kitchen—almost impossible to resist!
- Prepare the Frosting
While the rolls are still warm, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Spread generously over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
✅ Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
Don’t overfill: Too much cinnamon filling may leak during baking.
Let rolls cool slightly before frosting: Prevents frosting from melting completely.
Try add-ins: Raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts can add variety.
❓ FAQs About Cinnamon Rolls
Q: Can I prepare Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can shape the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for best results.
Q: Can Cinnamon Rolls be frozen?
A: Absolutely. Wrap either baked or unbaked rolls tightly and freeze. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Q: Are these Cinnamon Rolls healthy?
A: While indulgent, you can make them slightly healthier by using whole wheat flour or reducing sugar.
🔗 Internal Links
If you love sweet treats, you’ll enjoy exploring other delightful desserts that complement Cinnamon Rolls perfectly.
The Coconut Swiss Roll Cake offers a light, fluffy sponge filled with creamy coconut goodness, making it a tropical twist for your dessert table.
The 🍰 Classic Italian Tiramisu brings a rich combination of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, ideal for a luxurious treat alongside your Cinnamon Rolls.
Cream Donuts provide a soft, pillowy texture with sweet fillings, perfect for pairing with a warm roll and a cup of coffee.
Lastly, the Creamy Layered Basbousa is a traditional Middle Eastern semolina cake layered with syrup and cream, adding a unique flavor and texture that rounds out a full homemade dessert experience.
🌐 Cinnamon Roll Secrets & Common Mistakes
To achieve perfect Cinnamon Rolls, it’s important to follow a few key tips. For example, use a gentle touch when rolling and cutting the dough to keep the rolls soft and fluffy, and avoid adding too much flour during kneading, which can make the dough dry.
For more expert tips and common mistakes to avoid, check out this guide from Allrecipes: How to Make Cinnamon Buns.
🎉 Enjoy Your Homemade Cinnamon Rolls!
This easy recipe allows you to enjoy soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced Cinnamon Rolls anytime. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate comfort treat!