Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are the epitome of comfort food. From the warm, sweet filling to the decadent cream cheese icing, they are the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dough is soft and pillowy, while the cinnamon sugar filling provides a delightful sweetness with just the right amount of spice. The cream cheese icing melts perfectly into the warm rolls, making every bite irresistible. Plus, the recipe is designed to be easy to follow, ensuring that even beginners can bake up a batch of these delicious treats.

this Recipe

Ingredients

Cinnamon Roll Dough:

• 4 1/2 – 5 cups all purpose flour

• 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar

• 2 packets Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Yeast (about 4 1/2 tsp)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 1/2 cups (355g) water

• 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter

• 1 large egg

Filling:

• 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed

• 1 tbsp cinnamon

Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature

• 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cinnamon Roll Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

2. In a heat-safe bowl, combine the water and butter. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, until warm to the touch (but not hot). The butter should not melt completely.

3. Pour the warm mixture into the dry ingredients and add the egg. Mix with a wooden spoon.

4. Gradually add 2 more cups of flour and stir. The dough should become thick and sticky.

5. Add 1/2 cup of flour and mix again. It will be difficult to stir. Switch to using your hands to mix and knead the dough.

6. The dough will be sticky, so add 1/4 cup of flour and knead it until smooth and tacky. Press your finger into the dough; if it sticks, add more flour until it no longer sticks.

7. Shape the dough into a ball and let it rest uncovered for 10 minutes. It will puff up slightly.

8. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 10×15 inch rectangle.

9. Spread room temperature butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.

10. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the butter.

11. Roll the dough from the 15-inch end into a log. Squeeze both ends gently to compact the dough.

12. Use unflavored dental floss or a thin sewing thread to slice the log into 12 rolls. Alternatively, use a sharp knife with a gentle back-and-forth sawing motion.

13. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish (or two 9-inch round pans).

14. Cover with a towel and let the rolls rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. If your home is cold, place the rolls in the oven at the lowest temperature to help them rise.

15. Preheat the oven to 350°F. If you proofed the rolls in the oven, remove them before turning the oven on.

16. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are light golden brown.

Cream Cheese Icing:

1. In a bowl, mash together the softened cream cheese and butter with a fork.

2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and continue mashing until the mixture loosens.

3. Switch to a whisk and mix until smooth.

4. Spread the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

  • Rising Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Overnight Cinnamon Rolls: After the second rise, cover the rolls with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature (about 45 minutes), and bake as usual.

• Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a crunchy texture.

• Fruit Fillings: Replace the cinnamon-sugar filling with fruit fillings like apples or berries for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, wrap the rolls in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. For a fresh-baked texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, until warmed through.

FAQs

How can I make the cinnamon rolls less sweet?

You can adjust the sugar in the dough and filling. Use less brown sugar for the filling or replace some of the sugar with cinnamon for a more balanced flavor.

Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls before baking?

Yes, after assembling and cutting the rolls, you can freeze them. Place the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking.

What type of yeast should I use?

This recipe calls for rapid-rise yeast, which doesn’t require proofing in warm water. You can substitute active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it in warm water for about 5 minutes before adding it to the dry ingredients.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer can make the kneading process easier, you can mix and knead the dough by hand as described in the directions.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine if needed. Just make sure it’s unsalted.

How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are fully baked?

The rolls should be golden brown on top. You can also use a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center to check for doneness—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

How can I prevent the rolls from being too dense?

Make sure the dough is not overworked and that you allow enough time for it to rise. Over-kneading or skipping the rise time can lead to dense rolls.

Can I use a different type of flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour for some of the all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly denser. For best results, use a combination of both flours.

Can I make a dairy-free version?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and a non-dairy cream cheese substitute to make this recipe dairy-free.

How do I make sure the rolls don’t dry out?

If the rolls are overbaked or exposed to air, they can dry out. Be sure to cover the rolls while they rise and store them in an airtight container to maintain moisture.

Conclusion

Making homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch might seem like a challenge, but this easy recipe simplifies the process while still delivering amazing results. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite. With soft dough, a sweet cinnamon filling, and the perfect creamy icing, you’ll savor every bite!