Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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Published: 12/2/2022

Updated: 12/21/2024

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Enjoy the homemade goodness of soft, sweet cinnamon rolls swirled with cinnamon and topped with a rich glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack!

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Type of Cuisine:

American

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Prep Time: 30 minutes + hour and half wait time.

Cook Time: 25 minutes

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How Many Servings?

9 servings

Table of Contents

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls hold a special place in my heart, but to me, this recipe will always be ‘Bill’s Rolls.’ Bill was a dear older man who visited the café regularly, always craving something sweet. His love for cinnamon rolls (and occasionally carrot muffins) never wavered despite his dietary restrictions. On days when the café was closed, I’d freeze some rolls with icing on the side so he could bake them at home. Just thinking of him brings a warm smile to my face.

After 12 years of perfecting and sharing this recipe with Bill, I’m thrilled to pass it on to you. Get ready for fluffy, buttery, and cinnamon-filled goodness that will make your home smell incredible. They’re so irresistible that you might want to double the batch!

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients

Dough:

  • All-purpose flour provides the perfect structure for these homemade cinnamon rolls.
  • Eggs enrich the dough and contribute to its tender texture.
  • Sugar adds sweetness to balance the spiced filling.
  • Softened unsalted butter lends a rich and creamy flavor.
  • Active yeast is the key to the dough’s rising process.
  • Salt enhances the overall flavor profile with a hint of savory goodness.

 Filling:

  • Softened unsalted butter combined with…
  • Cinnamon creates the warm and aromatic core of these cinnamon rolls.
  • Brown sugar adds a delightful molasses-like sweetness.

 Icing:

  • Cream cheese forms the velvety base of the icing.
  • Unsalted butter complements the cream cheese for a creamy and rich consistency.
  • Vanilla extract imparts a sweet and aromatic essence.
  • Powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the icing, making it lusciously smooth.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

  • Yeast Test: Before you start, test your yeast to ensure your cinnamon rolls rise beautifully. Mix a teaspoon of yeast with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 cup of warm water. Cover and place in a doesn’tea. If you don’t froth up within two minutes, you’ll need fresh yeast.
  • Room Temperature Icing: To avoid clumpy icing on your cinnamon rolls, keep your icing at room temperature. Cold icing won’t spread evenly.
  • Frosting Technique: As soon as your cinnamon rolls come out of the oven warm, dollop a generous amount of icing on each. This allows the icing to melt into every crevice. Then, brush or spatula to thoroughly spread the icing over the rolls.

These tips ensure your homemade cinnamon rolls are delicious and visually appealing, with smooth, ideally spread icing.

Storing and Reheating 

Your delicious homemade cinnamon rolls can stay fresh and ready to enjoy beyond just the baking day. Here’s how to keep them tasting great:

  • At Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to two days. They’re perfect for a quick treat or breakfast the next day.
  • In the Refrigerator, they remain fresh for about a week, which is ideal for savoring them a bit longer.
  • Freezing for Later: You can freeze your cinnamon rolls for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and reheat. This method is excellent for planning or saving leftovers.
  • Reheating: To recapture the warmth and softness of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F, place the rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes. This method gives them a fresh-from-the-oven taste, revitalizing their delicious flavors and textures.
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
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Preparation

1.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
In two measuring cups, combine 1 tablespoon of sugar with the yeast. Pour in the warm cream, mix well, and cover. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Mark as complete
2.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
While the yeast activates, add the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and salt to a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Mark as complete
3.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Pour the cream and yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Continue mixing with the dough hook until the dough pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.
Mark as complete
4.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Use the same bowl or transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and place it in a warm spot for about an hour or until the dough doubles in size

Mark as complete
5.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the filling. Grease a 9x13-inch pan with butter. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to approximately 16 inches long by 12 inches wide and ¼ inch thick. Spread softened butter over the dough, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the surface.
Mark as complete
6.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Carefully roll the dough from one edge to the other, tucking it tightly as you go to form a stable log. Continue rolling until the dough is fully sealed. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1½-inch slices. Place the slices in the greased baking pan, leaving space between each roll. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Mark as complete
7.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.
Mark as complete
8.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
While the rolls bake, whisk together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Once the rolls are out of the oven, generously spread the icing over them and let it melt into every swirl.
Mark as complete
9.
Freshly baked homemade cinnamon roll on a plate, topped with creamy icing.
Serve warm, and enjoy every gooey, sweet bite of these homemade cinnamon rolls. They're perfect for sharing—if you can resist eating them yourself!
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs at room temperture
½ cup sugar (less one tablespoon)
½ cup unsalted butter (soft 4oz)
1 cup warm heavy cream
2 ½ teaspoons active yeast
1 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for the Filling
1/3 cup unsalted butter
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 cup brown sugar
Ingredients for the Icing:
1/4 cup cream cheese at room temperature
6 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanila extract

Preparation

1
In two measuring cups, combine 1 tablespoon of sugar with the yeast. Pour in the warm cream, mix well, and cover. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2
While the yeast activates, add the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and salt to a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Pour the cream and yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Continue mixing with the dough hook until the dough pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.
4
Use the same bowl or transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and place it in a warm spot for about an hour or until the dough doubles in size
5
In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the filling. Grease a 9x13-inch pan with butter. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to approximately 16 inches long by 12 inches wide and ¼ inch thick. Spread softened butter over the dough, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the surface.
6
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Carefully roll the dough from one edge to the other, tucking it tightly as you go to form a stable log. Continue rolling until the dough is fully sealed. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1½-inch slices. Place the slices in the greased baking pan, leaving space between each roll. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
7
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.
8
While the rolls bake, whisk together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Once the rolls are out of the oven, generously spread the icing over them and let it melt into every swirl.
9
Serve warm, and enjoy every gooey, sweet bite of these homemade cinnamon rolls. They're perfect for sharing—if you can resist eating them yourself!

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

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rana
By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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