There is something utterly magical about waking up to warm, fragrant cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, and this Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe is the perfect way to bring that magic into your own kitchen. Whether you are a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these soft, buttery rolls filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy cream cheese icing will make anyone swoon. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its irresistibly delicious results but also in its clear, approachable steps and simple ingredients that come together to create a cozy breakfast treat worth sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this list serves a special role to build the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma in your cinnamon rolls. They are familiar pantry staples but with the precise balance needed for these rolls to shine.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and tenderness when measured and handled just right.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spices and enrich the dough.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control the yeast activity for a perfect rise.
- Whole milk: Contributes to a soft crumb and tender bite, making each roll delightfully moist.
- Unsalted butter: Used both in the dough and filling, it offers richness and those irresistible flaky layers.
- Instant yeast: The magic agent that makes your dough rise and become airy and fluffy.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients while adding richness and color to your rolls.
- Light or dark brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes to the cinnamon filling.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives these rolls their signature warm, fragrant flavor.
- Full-fat cream cheese: Creates a luscious, tangy icing that perfectly complements the sweet rolls.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese icing for that classic finish.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant warmth that lifts the icing flavors to the next level.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate heatproof bowl, warm the whole milk and butter until the butter has fully melted and the mixture is comfortably warm to the touch, not hot. Stir in your instant yeast until dissolved, then pour this liquid into the dry ingredients. Add the egg and mix until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough. This mixture is the base for your fluffy cinnamon rolls, and taking your time here ensures a tender, light crumb.
Step 2: Knead and Rest the Dough
Transfer your dough to a floured surface and knead it gently for about 3 to 5 minutes. You want a smooth, cohesive ball that springs back lightly when pressed. If it feels too sticky, just sprinkle a little extra flour to keep it manageable. Place your dough ball in a lightly greased bowl, cover loosely, and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This brief rest relaxes the gluten and gets the dough ready for rolling.
Step 3: Roll Out and Add Filling
After resting, roll the dough out into a smooth 14 by 8-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface—this will melt into the dough as it bakes, creating those tender layers you love. In a small bowl, mix your brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough. This is where the characteristic cinnamon sweetness really begins to build.
Step 4: Shape and Cut the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly into a 14-inch log, making sure it’s snug enough to hold its shape but not so tight that the filling escapes. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 10 to 12 even slices. Arrange these slices in a greased round cake pan or square baking dish, leaving a little space between them for rising.
Step 5: Let the Rolls Rise
Cover your pan with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm spot for 60 to 90 minutes. They should double in size, puffing up into soft, billowy pillows that promise melt-in-your-mouth goodness. This step is key to developing the lightness and softness that makes this Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe so special.
Step 6: Bake to Gorgeous Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 24 to 27 minutes, or until the tops are a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye out and tent with foil if needed to prevent over-browning. The rolls are perfectly cooked when their internal temperature reaches about 195 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and they’ll smell heavenly as they finish baking.
Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Icing
While your rolls bake or once they’re out and cooling briefly, it’s time for the icing. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until everything is silky and luscious. Spread this frosting generously over the warm rolls so it melts into every nook and cranny for a decadent finish.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic cream cheese icing is a crowd-pleaser, you can get creative with toppings like chopped toasted pecans, a sprinkle of nutmeg on the frosting, or a drizzle of caramel for an extra indulgent touch. These simple garnishes add texture and flavor that guests will remember.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit or a vibrant fruit salad to balance their rich sweetness. A cup of strong coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk completes the breakfast or brunch experience beautifully, making every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your cinnamon rolls as part of a brunch buffet on a tiered stand, or slice them into smaller pieces to create bite-sized treats perfect for sharing. Wrapping individual rolls in parchment paper makes for charming homemade gifts that carry the warmth of this Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe straight to the hearts of friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover them tightly at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to five days. This keeps the rolls soft and delicious without the dough becoming dry or tough, preserving that freshly baked feel for as long as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cinnamon rolls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen rolls hold up beautifully for up to three months, so you can enjoy fresh-baked cinnamon rolls anytime you want with just a little advance planning.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your rolls gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for about 20 seconds. Add icing once warm to recapture that perfect, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience that this Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe delivers so well.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it in warm liquid for about 5 to 10 minutes before adding it to the dry ingredients. Instant yeast is more convenient as it can be mixed directly with the flour, saving you a step.
What type of flour is best for these cinnamon rolls?
All-purpose flour is ideal as it creates just the right balance between chewiness and tenderness. Bread flour can make the rolls tougher, and cake flour will be too delicate and might not hold the shape as well.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, roll, fill, cut, and let the rolls rise again before baking. This makes for convenient morning baking with minimal effort.
How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?
Cover your cinnamon rolls tightly with foil or plastic wrap while they are cooling and storing. Also, the butter and cream cheese frosting help keep the rolls moist and flavorful.
What if I want vegan cinnamon rolls?
To make vegan cinnamon rolls, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk, use a vegan butter alternative, and replace the egg with flax egg or another egg substitute. Swap cream cheese and butter in the icing for vegan versions to maintain the creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like the joy of making homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch, and this Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe invites you to enjoy that delight fully. With a little love and patience, you’ll have a batch of warm, fragrant cinnamon rolls that are sure to bring smiles and a cozy feeling around your breakfast table. So go ahead—roll up those sleeves, warm your kitchen with sweet spice, and savor every bite of these irresistible treats made by your own hand.
Print
Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These easy cinnamon rolls are made entirely from scratch with a soft, tender dough and a rich cinnamon-sugar filling. The rolls are baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing that melts over the warm buns, making them the perfect comforting treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 and 3/4 cups (344g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk
- 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star or any instant yeast (1 standard packet)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
Filling
- 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, extra softened
- 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
Icing
- 4 ounces (113g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2/3 cup (80g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the dough: Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate heatproof bowl, warm the milk and butter until the butter has melted and the mixture is warm to about 110°F (43°C). Whisk in the yeast until dissolved. Pour this into the dry ingredients, add the egg, and mix with a sturdy spatula or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-5 minutes until smooth. Add flour sparingly if the dough is too sticky. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover loosely, and let rest for 10 minutes while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the filling and shape the rolls: Roll the rested dough into a 14×8-inch (36×20 cm) rectangle. Spread the extra softened butter evenly over the surface. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough. Roll the dough tightly into a 14-inch log, then cut into 10-12 equal slices. Arrange the slices in a greased 9- or 10-inch round or square baking pan.
- Let the rolls rise: Cover the pan loosely with foil, plastic wrap, or a towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 24-27 minutes until golden brown. If they brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Check doneness by an internal temperature of 195-200°F (91-93°C). Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
- Make the icing: Beat cream cheese on high speed until smooth, then add butter and beat until combined. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and beat until creamy and smooth.
- Frost and serve: Spread the icing over warm rolls with a spatula or knife and serve immediately. Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Notes
- If dough feels too sticky during kneading, add flour a tablespoon at a time to avoid tough rolls.
- For a quicker rise, place rolls in a slightly warmed (not hot) oven or near a warm stove.
- Make sure milk mixture is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best icing texture and flavor.
- Leftover rolls can be reheated in a microwave for a few seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
