Name: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk (lukewarm); ½ cup sugar; 5 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted and cooled); 3 large eggs; 2½ teaspoon instant dry yeast (rapid rise, or active dry yeast); 5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 7 tablespoon unsalted butter; ½ cup brown sugar (dark or light); ½ cup sugar; 2 tablespoon cinnamon (ground); 1 teaspoon cardamom (ground, optional); 2 cups confectioners' sugar (aka: powdered or castor); 4 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted); 4 tablespoon whole milk

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There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Homemade Cinnamon Rolls wafting through the house early on a weekend morning. I remember the first time I attempted to make these delightful rolls—it was a chilly fall day, and the scent of cinnamon and sugar filled the air, instantly elevating everyone’s mood. As I watched the dough rise, I felt a sense of anticipation and warmth that only comes from creating something delicious from scratch. The joy of biting into a soft, gooey roll, topped with a sweet glaze, is pure bliss. These are not just any cinnamon rolls; they are a comforting hug in pastry form, perfect for brunch gatherings or quiet family moments. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, I promise that making Homemade Cinnamon Rolls will become a cherished memory in your kitchen.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
35 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
4g g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
10g g

Tools Used:
9″x13″ baking pan, preferably metal

What We Adore About This Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

They’re Irresistibly Delicious

The first reason you’ll fall in love with Homemade Cinnamon Rolls is their irresistible taste. The combination of buttery dough, sweet cinnamon, and a touch of sugar creates a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for more. Each bite is soft and fluffy, melting in your mouth.

A Family Tradition

Making these rolls can become a cherished family tradition. I often gather my loved ones in the kitchen, and we share stories while the dough rises. It’s a bonding experience that creates lasting memories, one sweet roll at a time.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a cozy Sunday brunch or a holiday celebration, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls fit perfectly into any occasion. They’re a crowd-pleaser, and there’s nothing like watching friends and family eagerly gather around the table, ready to indulge.

Customizable to Your Taste

Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily modify the fillings or toppings. Add nuts for a crunch, or experiment with different spices. The options are endless, making each batch unique!

They’re Made with Love

There’s something special about homemade food. When you make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, you infuse them with your own love and care. This personal touch is something store-bought rolls simply can’t replicate.

Easy to Make

Despite their delightful complexity, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need to be a baking expert to create something magical. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have the best cinnamon rolls you’ve ever tasted.

What You Need for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

To create perfect Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, you need quality ingredients that work harmoniously together. The core elements are simple—flour, sugar, butter, and eggs—all coming together to form a soft, rich dough. The star of this recipe is the cinnamon, which brings warmth and sweetness. Each ingredient plays a critical role in developing the flavor and texture that makes these rolls so special.

1 cup whole milk (lukewarm) – This forms the base of the dough, helping to activate the yeast and create a soft texture.
½ cup sugar – Adds sweetness that balances the flavors of the cinnamon filling.
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled) – Provides richness and moisture to the dough.
3 large eggs – These give structure and richness to the rolls.
2½ teaspoons instant dry yeast (rapid rise, or active dry yeast) – This is essential for the dough to rise properly.
5 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the dough, creating the structure.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors in the rolls.
7 tablespoons unsalted butter – Used in the filling to create a gooey texture.
½ cup brown sugar (dark or light) – Adds a deeper flavor compared to white sugar.
½ cup sugar – For sweetness in the filling.
2 tablespoons cinnamon (ground) – The star spice that gives these rolls their signature flavor.
1 teaspoon cardamom (ground, optional) – A hint of this spice can elevate the flavor profile.
2 cups confectioners’ sugar (aka: powdered or castor) – Used for the icing on top, making the rolls extra special.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) – For the icing, adding richness.
4 tablespoons whole milk – This is combined with the confectioners’ sugar for the icing.

The Method for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part—making the Homemade Cinnamon Rolls! Each step is filled with anticipation as the dough transforms into something scrumptious. Follow along, and soon you’ll have freshly baked rolls that fill your home with an irresistible aroma.

Start by combining the lukewarm milk, sugar, cooled butter, eggs, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix everything together using the paddle attachment until well combined. The mixture should be slightly warm, helping the yeast to activate.
Next, add 4½ cups of flour and salt to the mixture. Mix on low until a ball of dough begins to form. You might need to scrape down the sides to incorporate all ingredients. It’s when the dough starts to come together that the magic happens!
Once you have a rough dough, use your hands to remove it from the paddle attachment. Replace the paddle with the dough hook and mix (knead) on medium speed for about 6 to 7 minutes. The dough should become soft and not stick to the bowl. If it feels sticky, gradually add the remaining ¼ cup of flour until you achieve the right consistency.
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a large bowl that has been sprayed with cooking spray or greased with softened butter. Turn the dough over to coat it with oil, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in a non-drafty, slightly warm area and let it rise until doubled in size, usually about 2 hours. If you’re short on time, you can place it in the fridge overnight for at least 12 hours.
Once the dough has risen, remove the plastic wrap and dump it onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 10 inches by 15 inches. Make sure it’s even and nice and flat.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing softened butter (7 tbsp), brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl using a hand mixer. This mixture should be well combined, and if you’re not using it immediately, store it in the fridge.
Using a butter knife, smear the butter/sugar/cinnamon mixture all over the rolled-out dough, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges. This will make sure the filling doesn’t ooze out while baking.
Starting from the long side of the rectangle, roll up the dough tightly, pinching the edges to seal. With a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal rolls. Be gentle as you cut to avoid squishing the rolls.
Grease a 9 inch by 13 inch baking dish (preferably metal) with cooking spray or softened butter. Place the rolls in the prepared dish, making sure they’re close but not touching. Loosely cover them with plastic wrap and place in a warm area until they nearly double in size, usually 60 to 90 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. When the rolls are ready, remove the plastic wrap and bake them on the center rack for about 20 minutes. They should be golden brown on top and fully cooked. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes before icing.
To make the icing, combine confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, and whole milk in a bowl, whisking until smooth. Use a large spoon to generously pour the icing over the warm rolls, allowing it to soak in a bit.

Things Worth Knowing

Proper Dough Temperature: Always ensure your liquids are lukewarm, as hot liquids can kill the yeast.
Rising Time: Don’t rush the dough’s rising time; it’s essential for developing flavor and texture.
Cutting the Rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolls for a cleaner edge.
Baking Dish Choice: A metal baking dish provides a better crust than glass.

Recipe Tips about Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Making perfect Homemade Cinnamon Rolls is all about the details. Here are some handy tips to ensure your rolls come out just right!

Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days. They stay fresh longer in the fridge.
Freezing: You can freeze the rolls before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Serving Warm: For the best experience, serve the rolls warm with a drizzle of icing.
Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Reheating: Gently reheat rolls in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to bring them back to life.

What to Pair With Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

When it comes to serving Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, there are countless delicious options to complement these sweet treats. Here are some ideas:

Coffee: A hot cup of coffee is a classic pairing that enhances the flavors of the rolls.
Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the rolls.
Scrambled Eggs: Serve with fluffy scrambled eggs for a delightful brunch spread.
Breakfast Burrito: For a more filling breakfast, pair with a hearty breakfast burrito.
Fresh Juice: A glass of freshly squeezed orange or apple juice brings a refreshing touch.
Holiday Feasts: These rolls are perfect for holiday breakfasts or brunches, adding a sweet touch to your table.

FAQ

For the best results, the dough should rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 2 hours in a warm place. If you want to prepare them in advance, you can refrigerate the dough overnight, and it will rise slowly, developing rich flavors.

Absolutely! While the classic cinnamon and sugar filling is a favorite, you can get creative. Consider adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit for a unique twist. The beauty of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls is their versatility.

If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast or cold temperatures. Check the date on your yeast package to ensure it’s fresh, and make sure your liquids are lukewarm. If the temperature in your kitchen is too cool, try placing the bowl in a warmer spot, like near the oven or in a slightly warmed oven (turned off).

To store leftover Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them or even freeze them. Just be aware that freezing may affect their texture slightly.

Conclusion

Making Homemade Cinnamon Rolls is a delightful experience that brings warmth to any kitchen. The combination of soft dough and sweet cinnamon filling is truly special. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s a wonderful way to create cherished memories with loved ones. Baking these rolls will not only satisfy your taste buds but also fill your home with joy and comfort. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the ultimate treat!