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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

4.5 from 493 reviews

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, topped with a smooth powdered sugar glaze. This classic breakfast treat is perfect for weekends or special occasions, made from scratch using simple ingredients that come together in a yeasted dough and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs

Filling

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Make Dough: Add melted butter, the remaining sugar, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the bowl.
  3. Knead and Rise: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare Filling and Roll Dough: Roll the dough out into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon mixture evenly on top.
  5. Shape and Second Rise: Roll the dough tightly from one of the long edges to form a log. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let the rolls rise for another 20 minutes to puff up.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
  7. Prepare Icing and Serve: While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth icing. Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls before serving for a sweet finish.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Kneading develops gluten for a light, fluffy texture.
  • Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures soft rolls.
  • The rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Reheat gently before serving to regain softness.

Keywords: cinnamon rolls,homemade cinnamon rolls,baked cinnamon rolls,sweet breakfast pastry,cinnamon sugar rolls