Pillowy Sweet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: A Homemade Delight

Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with a perfectly soft texture emerge from the oven, filling the kitchen with an irresistible homemade cinnamon rolls recipe aroma.

Soft dough swirls with rich, sweet spices create a morning treat that feels like pure comfort.

Each roll promises golden-brown edges and a center so tender it melts in your mouth.

Butter, sugar, and fragrant cinnamon dance together in a delightful pastry that transforms an ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary.

Weekend mornings deserve these decadent rolls that bring smiles and satisfaction to the table.

The ultimate morning indulgence awaits with this simple yet magical recipe that turns basic ingredients into a breakfast masterpiece.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious bite of these heavenly rolls.

Tools for Fluffy, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients and kneading dough.
• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps mix and knead dough quickly and efficiently.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out smooth, even dough for cinnamon rolls.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: Ideal for baking and serving the rolls.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap: Covers dough during rising process.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients and scrape down bowl sides.
• Pastry brush: Great for spreading melted butter on dough and rolls.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

• Wake Up the Yeast

Sprinkle yeast into warm milk with a touch of sugar. Let it bubble and dance for 5-10 minutes until it looks like a frothy party.

• Blend Liquid Goodness

Crack in an egg and yolk, then pour melted butter into the yeast mixture. Swirl everything together with love.

• Create Magical Dough

Mix flour and salt into the wet ingredients. Knead the dough until it becomes silky smooth, about 8-10 minutes of tender massage.

• Let the Dough Rest and Rise

Tuck the dough into a cozy, greased bowl. Cover it gently and let it take a peaceful nap for an hour, watching it double in size like a happy cloud.

• Roll Out the Deliciousness

Spread the dough on a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle with gentle, loving strokes.

• Sprinkle Cinnamon Magic

Brush melted butter across the dough. Rain down a storm of cinnamon and sugar, covering every inch with sweet promise.

• Create Cinnamon Swirls

Roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a beautiful log. Slice into soft, plump rounds.

• Second Rise and Bake

Place rolls in a buttered pan. Let them puff up for 30 minutes, then bake in a warm oven until golden and irresistible.

• Glaze with Love

Whip up a creamy glaze and drizzle generously over warm rolls, creating a sweet finale.

Sweet Variations to Elevate Cinnamon Rolls

• Use room temperature ingredients to help yeast activate perfectly and create incredibly tender rolls.
• Prepare rolls the night before, refrigerate overnight, then let rise at room temperature for 45 minutes before baking for maximum convenience.
• Replace wheat flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the classic soft texture and rise.
• Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a delicious alternative for those with dairy restrictions.
• Place dough in a warm, draft-free area like a slightly heated oven (turned off) with a pan of hot water to ensure optimal rising conditions and maximum fluffiness.

Serve Cinnamon Rolls for Brunch or Dessert

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm cinnamon rolls with a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat that comforts and energizes.
• Brunch Star Centerpiece: Serve these rolls as the highlight of a weekend brunch spread, surrounded by fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon to create a memorable gathering.
• Sweet Dessert Transformation: After dinner, warm the rolls slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert that turns a breakfast classic into an evening indulgence.
• Gifting Delight: Package cooled rolls in pretty boxes with parchment paper, tie with a ribbon, and share with neighbors or friends as a heartwarming homemade gift that spreads joy.

Storing Cinnamon Rolls to Keep Them Fresh

• Store prepared cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Prepare the rolls up to the point of second rising, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to allow dough to return to room temperature.
• Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping by placing them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for 4-6 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let rise before baking.
• Revive day-old rolls by warming them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Brush with a little melted butter to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 12

What You Need for Classic Cinnamon Rolls

• Active Dry Yeast: Crucial for creating fluffy, airy rolls with signature rise and soft texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps activate its rising power.
• Whole Milk: Provides warm environment for yeast to bloom and adds richness to dough.

• Large Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the dough.
• Egg Yolk: Increases richness and creates a more tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides flavor and helps create soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundation of the dough, creates tender and light texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers warm, aromatic flavor to the filling.
• Brown Sugar: Creates sweet, caramelized filling with deep, complex notes.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for creating smooth, creamy glaze topping.