The Dreamiest Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Ever Baked

Warm, gooey, and irresistibly soft, these best homemade cinnamon rolls will make your kitchen smell like a bakery dream.

Sweet cinnamon swirls dance through tender dough, promising pure comfort in every bite.

Soft yeast dough kneaded with care creates pillowy layers that melt in your mouth.

Each roll promises a perfect balance of sweet spice and rich, buttery texture.

The aroma alone will draw people from every corner of your home, eager to taste these golden-brown delights.

Crafted with simple ingredients and a touch of love, these cinnamon rolls transform an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.

Roll up your sleeves and prepare for a baking adventure that will become your new weekend tradition.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 11

Best Ingredients For Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for classic cinnamon roll texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Crucial for dough rising and creating soft, airy rolls with signature light texture.
• Warm Milk: Activates yeast and adds richness, ensuring smooth and elastic dough development.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and balances flavor, helping with fermentation and browning.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients, add moisture, and contribute to golden, rich dough color.
• Unsalted Butter: Enhances flavor, creates tender crumb, and adds luxurious smoothness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens gluten structure for perfect dough consistency.

• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel notes and creates gooey, luscious cinnamon swirl.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice that defines classic cinnamon roll character.
• Softened Butter: Helps spread filling evenly and creates smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Cream Cheese: Adds tangy richness and creamy smoothness to classic glaze.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates silky, spreadable consistency for perfect glaze coverage.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with subtle, sweet aromatic notes.
• Milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for ideal drizzling and spreading.

Tools To Bake Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Stand Mixer or Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining dough ingredients and kneading.
• Dough Hook: Helps knead dough quickly and effortlessly if using a stand mixer.
• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the dough into a smooth rectangle.
• Sharp Knife or Dental Floss: Ideal for cutting rolls into even, precise pieces.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Provides the perfect space for baking and serving rolls.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: Great for mixing wet ingredients smoothly.
• Small Bowls: Useful for preparing filling and measuring ingredients.
• Pastry Brush (optional): Helpful for spreading melted butter or glaze.

How To Prepare Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Dough Preparation

Mix warm milk with yeast and let it activate. Combine melted butter, eggs, and remaining ingredients to create a soft, smooth dough. Knead until elastic and let rise in a warm spot for about an hour.

• Filling Creation

Blend softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon into a luscious mixture that will bring sweetness to your rolls.

• Rolling and Shaping

Flatten the risen dough into a large rectangle. Generously spread the cinnamon mixture across the surface. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, creating beautiful swirls of flavor.

• Cutting and Positioning

Slice the log into even sections. Arrange the rolls in a baking dish, allowing them space to expand and become fluffy.

• Baking Magic

Heat the oven and bake the rolls until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• Creamy Glaze Finish

Whip together cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar to create a silky smooth topping. Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls for the ultimate indulgence.

• Serving Delight

Serve these heavenly rolls immediately, watching as everyone’s eyes light up with the first delicious bite.

Flavor Boosters For Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Cinnamon Roll Success Secrets: Expert Tips & Twists
• Warm Milk Magic: Use milk between 110-115°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing it. Too hot or cold can prevent proper rising and ruin your rolls' texture.
• Rise Like a Pro: Find the warmest spot in your kitchen for dough rising – near a warm oven or sunny window works wonders. Cover with a clean kitchen towel to retain moisture and create ideal proofing conditions.
• Flawless Cutting Technique: Use unflavored dental floss to slice rolls cleanly without squishing the delicate dough. Slide the floss underneath the roll, cross over the top, and pull quickly for perfect, even slices.
• Dietary Flexibility: For gluten-free versions, swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend. Dairy-free bakers can substitute milk with almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter alternatives. Those watching sugar can replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener for a lower-carb option.
• Flavor Adventure Variations: Experiment with mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or dark chocolate chips in the filling. Try different spice combinations – cardamom, nutmeg, or orange zest can transform the classic cinnamon roll into an exciting new treat.

Ways To Serve Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Cozy Brunch Centerpiece: Place these warm, gooey cinnamon rolls as the star of your weekend brunch, surrounding them with fresh berries and a steaming pot of coffee.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Slice rolls into smaller portions for an elegant tea-time treat, pairing perfectly with Earl Grey or herbal tea selections.
• Holiday Morning Tradition: Create a festive breakfast spread during Christmas or family gatherings, making these rolls a memorable shared experience that brings everyone together around the table.
• Gift of Warmth: Package cooled rolls in cute bakery boxes with ribbons for a homemade gift that spreads love and comfort to friends and neighbors.

Keep Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Tasting Great

• Quick Fridge Stash: Store rolls in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before enjoying.
• Reheating Magic: Warm rolls in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore soft, gooey texture. Drizzle extra glaze for renewed moisture.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare rolls up to the point of second rise, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to reach room temperature, then bake as directed.

Gooey Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible homemade cinnamon rolls deliver pure comfort from scratch with minimal effort. Warm spices and sweet glaze promise delightful moments you’ll savor completely.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2 ¼ tsps active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsps ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsps milk (to desired consistency)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Whisk yeast with warm milk and sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and bubbly, signaling the yeast’s readiness.
2. Dough Preparation: Merge the foamy yeast with melted butter, eggs, and remaining sugar. Gradually fold in flour and salt, kneading until the dough transforms into a smooth, elastic texture that springs back when touched.
3. First Fermentation: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, drape with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free zone until it expands to double its original volume, roughly 60-90 minutes.
4. Filling Creation: Blend softened butter with brown sugar and ground cinnamon until the mixture becomes a uniform, aromatic spread.
5. Dough Transformation: Roll out the risen dough into an even rectangular shape, spreading the cinnamon-sugar mixture edge to edge, leaving a minimal border to prevent leakage.
6. Rolling and Cutting: Tightly roll the dough from the longer side, maintaining consistent tension. Seal the seam by pinching edges. Slice the log into uniform rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for precise cuts.
7. Second Proofing: Nestle the rolls in a greased baking dish with slight spacing, covering them to allow a second rise until they become puffy and slightly expanded.
8. Baking Process: Heat the oven to 350F, baking the rolls until they achieve a rich, golden-brown exterior, approximately 20-25 minutes.
9. Glaze Preparation: Whip cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually incorporating powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a luxurious, spreadable topping.
10. Final Touch: Immediately drizzle warm rolls with cream cheese glaze, ensuring complete coverage for a decadent finish. Serve piping hot to savor the ultimate cinnamon roll experience.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Precisely: Ensure milk temperature is between 100-110°F to wake up yeast without killing it, creating perfect rising conditions.
• Knead Dough Strategically: Work the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer, developing gluten for soft rolls.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Avoid adding too much flour during kneading, which can make rolls dense; dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk, use gluten-free flour blend, and replace butter with plant-based alternatives for different dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg