Introduction: Soft, Sweet, and Totally Irresistible
Is there anything more comforting than the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen? Probably not. These Classic Cinnamon Rolls are everything you want in a homemade pastry: gooey cinnamon filling, soft and fluffy dough, and a rich cream cheese glaze dripping down the sides.
Whether it’s Sunday morning breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just a sweet craving on a rainy afternoon, these cinnamon rolls deliver that cozy, nostalgic flavor you remember from childhood—only better. And yes, they’re totally worth the little bit of extra time and love it takes to make them from scratch.
Why This Is the BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe
✔️ Super soft, buttery dough
✔️ Rich brown sugar and cinnamon swirl
✔️ Velvety cream cheese icing
✔️ Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
✔️ Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved
This isn’t just a recipe—it’s the beginning of a family tradition. Whether you're baking with kids or serving to guests, these rolls never disappoint.
Ingredients for Classic Cinnamon Rolls
For the Dough:
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1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
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2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 eggs
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
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4 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch (Step-by-Step)
🔹 Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
🔹 Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Slowly mix in flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
🔹 Step 3: Let It Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
🔹 Step 4: Make the Filling
While the dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
🔹 Step 5: Roll and Fill
Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 16x12 inches). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface. Roll tightly from the long end and cut into 12 even slices.
🔹 Step 6: Second Rise
Place rolls in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
🔹 Step 7: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
🔹 Step 8: Make the Icing
Whisk together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls Every Time
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Use warm milk, not hot—too hot will kill the yeast.
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Room temperature butter and eggs help the dough come together better.
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Cut rolls evenly using unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife.
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Don’t overbake—slightly underbaking keeps them super soft and gooey inside.
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Let them cool slightly before icing so it melts just enough.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
🍽️ Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temp for 30–45 minutes before baking.
🧊 Freezer Option: Freeze baked (but unfrosted) rolls. Thaw and reheat, then ice before serving.
🧺 Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Flavor Variations to Try
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🍫 Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside before rolling.
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🍎 Apple Pie Rolls: Add chopped apples and nutmeg to the filling.
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🍑 Peach Cinnamon Rolls: Try diced peaches and a drizzle of caramel on top.
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🍯 Maple Glaze: Sub maple extract and a touch of syrup for the vanilla in the icing.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls pair beautifully with:
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Fresh brewed coffee ☕
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A cold glass of milk 🥛
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Scrambled eggs and bacon for a full brunch 🥓🍳
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Fruit salad for a lighter bite 🍓🍇🍊
They’re perfect for:
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Holiday mornings (Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day)
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Weekend brunch with friends
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Special breakfast in bed
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Potlucks and bake sales
Conclusion: The Ultimate Homemade Cinnamon Roll Experience
There’s just something magical about biting into a warm, fluffy cinnamon roll that you made with your own two hands. This Classic Cinnamon Rolls recipe brings bakery-style deliciousness straight to your home kitchen. It’s soft, sweet, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying.
Whether it’s your first time baking or you're a seasoned pro, these rolls are the real deal—and they’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust us: once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
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