Homemade Cinnamon Rolls – Soft, Gooey, and Irresistible!

There’s nothing quite like the warm, cozy smell of homemade cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. For me, these rolls bring back so many memories—lazy weekend mornings, holiday baking marathons, and those late-night cravings when only something sweet and comforting will do.

If you’ve ever thought homemade cinnamon rolls were too complicated, I promise they’re easier than you think! These soft, pillowy rolls are packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness and topped with a rich, creamy glaze. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a cozy treat, these cinnamon rolls will make any day feel extra special.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Rolls?

✔ Super Soft & Fluffy – Perfectly light and buttery.
✔ Gooey Cinnamon Filling – Just the right amount of sweetness and spice.
✔ Easy to Make – Step-by-step guide for perfect results.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat!

Ingredients Needed

I love how simple and classic these ingredients are—you probably have most of them in your kitchen already!

For the Dough:

✔ 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base for soft, fluffy rolls.
✔ ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
✔ 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast – Helps the dough rise beautifully.
✔ ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor.
✔ ¾ cup warm milk – Activates the yeast and keeps the dough soft.
✔ ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness.
✔ 1 egg – For structure and fluffiness.

For the Cinnamon Filling:

✔ ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Helps create that gooey texture.
✔ ¾ cup brown sugar – Caramel-like sweetness.
✔ 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon – The star of the show!

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

✔ 4 oz cream cheese, softened – Rich and creamy.
✔ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened – Smooth and indulgent.
✔ ¾ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the glaze.
✔ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.
✔ 2 tablespoons milk – For the perfect drizzle consistency.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls?

1️⃣ Make the Dough – In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg, then mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

2️⃣ Prepare the Filling – In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.

3️⃣ Roll & Fill – Roll out the dough into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.

4️⃣ Shape & Slice – Roll up the dough tightly from the long side, then cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

5️⃣ Second Rise – Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for 30 minutes until puffy.

6️⃣ Bake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

7️⃣ Make the Glaze & Serve – Whisk together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Drizzle over warm rolls and enjoy!

Alternative Cooking Methods

🔹 Overnight Method: Prepare the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
🔹 Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
🔹 No Yeast Version: Use self-rising flour and baking powder instead of yeast for a quicker version!

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls

✅ Use warm milk (not hot!) – Too hot will kill the yeast; warm to the touch is perfect.
✅ Let the dough rise properly – This makes them extra fluffy and soft.
✅ Spread the filling evenly – So every bite is full of gooey cinnamon goodness!
✅ Don’t overbake – Take them out when they’re golden brown to keep them soft.
✅ Glaze while warm – This helps the frosting melt into every crevice.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back the soft, gooey texture.
Freeze: Freeze baked rolls (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.

❓ Why didn’t my dough rise?
Check that your yeast is fresh and active. Also, ensure the milk isn’t too hot or too cold.

❓ Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Swap butter for vegan butter and use almond or oat milk.

❓ What toppings go well with cinnamon rolls?
Extra cream cheese frosting, chopped nuts, caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar!

More Delicious Baked Treats to Try

🔥 Cinnamon Roll in a Mug – A quick and easy single-serving treat!
🔥 Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – Moist, rich, and packed with flavor.
🔥 Classic Blueberry Muffins – Soft, fluffy, and bursting with blueberries.
🔥 White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge – Perfect for Any Mood!

I swear, there’s nothing better than pulling apart a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, letting that sweet glaze melt into every swirl. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear about your cinnamon roll adventures! 🥰✨

#CinnamonRolls #HomemadeBaking #BrunchRecipes #EasyDesserts