There’s something truly special about opening the oven door to reveal a tray of warm, golden-brown cinnamon rolls. The aroma that wafts through the air is pure comfort, with hints of buttery richness and sweet cinnamon that beckon you to take a bite. Each roll is soft, fluffy, and utterly indulgent, making them a staple in my kitchen for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon treat. I find myself making these when I want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, whether it’s for a special gathering or just a cozy morning at home.
The best part about these homemade cinnamon rolls is that they come together surprisingly fast, giving you a delightful reward without the fuss. They’re perfect for lazy weekends, holiday breakfasts, or any occasion that deserves a little sweetness! And let’s not forget about leftovers—if you happen to have any, they keep surprisingly well, and there’s nothing like a warmed-up roll slathered with icing to bring a smile to your face.
WHY I LOVE BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
These BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls truly hit that sweet spot every time. Not only are they incredibly easy and undeniably delicious, but they exude a wonderful hominess that will make anyone who bites into them feel loved. The flavor profile is simple yet so satisfying: buttery, sweet, and just the right amount of spice. This recipe is a true winner at my table, whether I’m serving family or friends!
BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls INGREDIENTS
The magic of this recipe truly lies in the harmonious blend of ingredients that work together to create the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Core Ingredients and Their Roles
- ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR (4-5 cups / 520g-650g): This is the backbone of our cinnamon rolls, giving them structure while keeping them soft and fluffy.
- GRANULATED SUGAR (1/4 cup / 50g): Just a touch to sweeten the dough a bit, enhancing that comforting flavor.
- INSTANT YEAST (2 1/4 teaspoons): These little gems pack a mighty punch, helping our rolls rise beautifully!
- SALT (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- WATER (3/4 cup / 180mL): Activates the yeast and adds moisture to our dough.
- WHOLE MILK (1/2 cup / 120mL): Enriches the dough, contributing to a tender texture.
- UNSALTED BUTTER (1/4 cup / 60g, cut into 4 slices): Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
- EGG (1 large, at room temperature): Enriches the dough with fat and helps it rise.
- UNSALTED BUTTER (6 tablespoons / 85g, very soft): This is the secret to our gooey filling—so consider it essential!
- BROWN SUGAR (3/4 cup / 150g, packed, light or dark): Contributes that deep, comforting sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
- GROUND CINNAMON (1 1/2 tablespoons): The star of the show, filling our rolls with beloved spice.
- FULL FAT BLOCK CREAM CHEESE (4 oz / 115g, room temperature): Elevates the icing to a whole new level of creaminess.
- UNSALTED BUTTER (5 tablespoons / 70g, room temperature): Ensures our icing is rich and smooth.
- POWDERED SUGAR (1 1/2 cups / 195g): Sweetens the icing to perfection.
- PURE VANILLA EXTRACT (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm flavor note that rounds everything out beautifully.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Need a swap? If you’re looking to switch things up, try using almond milk instead of whole milk for a different twist, though it won’t be quite as rich. In a pinch, you can replace the cream cheese with mascarpone for the icing. If you’re out of brown sugar, feel free to use white sugar, just keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly. When it comes to timing, I recommend letting the rolls rise in a warm spot—my oven (turned off) is my secret hideaway!
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Medium microwave-safe bowl or cup
- Dough whisk or wooden spoon
- Rolling pin
- Sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss
- Electric mixer (optional but makes vanilla icing easier)
HOW TO MAKE BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Let’s dive into creating these wonderfully fluffy BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls together! I’ve broken down the process into simple steps, and follow along to have a delicious treat in no time. We’re aiming for soft, gooey rolls drizzled with sweet cream cheese icing!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour (to start), granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk to combine and set aside. This is key because it ensures that the yeast activates properly with the warm liquid later on!
Warm Up the Wet Ingredients
In a medium microwave-safe bowl or cup, combine water, whole milk, and sliced unsalted butter. Microwave in 10-second bursts, stirring in between, until the butter just melts and the mixture feels warm but not hot. You can also do this gently over low heat on the stove. This step is essential as it creates the perfect environment for our yeast to come alive!
Bring it All Together
Whisk the egg into the warm water mixture to combine. Pour the wet ingredients over the flour mixture. Using a wooden spoon, mix together until you have a very thick and sticky dough that’s starting to come together.
Knead to Perfection
Add another 1 cup of flour to the dough and mix until it starts coming together into a ball. Now it’s time to knead! You can do this either directly in your bowl or on a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough, adding flour as needed to keep it from sticking to your hands and the sides of the bowl, until it’s smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. When you poke the top of the dough, it should spring back!
Rest the Dough
Cover the dough and set aside for about 20 minutes. It will puff up slightly, which is just enough to relax the gluten and make the dough easier to roll.
Roll into a Rectangle
Turn the rested dough onto a lightly floured work surface and roll it out into a roughly 14×10 inch rectangle. Use your hands to press and pull the edges to achieve the shape—don’t stress if it’s not perfect!
Add the Filling
Spread the very soft unsalted butter generously over the dough, leaving a roughly 1/2 inch border along the edges. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top, then evenly sprinkle the ground cinnamon on top. Your kitchen is going to smell heavenly!
Roll It Up
Working from the longer side of the dough, roll it up into a log. Don’t worry if it’s a little uneven—give it your best shot! Cut about 1/2 inch off each end of the log to make it look nice (optional).
Slice into Rolls
Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 even rolls. If using a knife, use a sawing motion to avoid squishing them. If you opt for floss, wiggle it underneath the log where you want to cut, cross the ends to form an X, and pull to cut through the dough.
Arranging and Second Rise
Arrange the rolls cut-side up in your 9×13 inch baking dish. There should be just a little space between each roll but it’s okay if they’re touching. Cover the rolls and set aside in a warm place for about 45 minutes or until they’ve about doubled in size. I love letting them rise in a turned-off oven!
Bake and Cool
Uncover the rolls and place them into the center of your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top. Set aside while you make the icing!
Create Cream Cheese Icing
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the icing ingredients: cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and pure vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a wooden spoon, cream together until smooth. Start on low speed just to incorporate everything, then whip on medium speed for that dreamy smoothness!
Icing the Rolls
While the cinnamon rolls are still warm, generously spread the icing on top. They’ll be extra gooey as the icing melts into the rolls!
HOW TO STORE BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
These cinnamon rolls can be just as delightful the next day! Store any leftovers at room temperature in a covered container for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. To freeze, simply place them in an airtight container for 2-3 months. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a delightful treat almost as good as fresh!
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the resting time; it makes rolling easier and improves the dough’s texture.
- Perfect your cutting technique with dental floss for perfectly shaped rolls.
- If your dough is too sticky, add a sprinkle more flour while kneading (but don’t overdo it!).
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated for an even bake.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with fresh fruits like sliced strawberries or orange segments for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with a rich cup of coffee or a warm mug of tea to complement the sweetness.
- Drizzle additional icing on top for a showstopper presentation.
- Garnish with chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar for a lovely finish.
- Warm them up slightly before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience!
These BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat; they’re a hug in dessert form, and I can’t wait for you to try them! Enjoy every last bite!
