Name: Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F); 2 ¼ teaspoons instant or active dry yeast; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze); 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional, for cream cheese glaze)

Warm, gooey, and loaded with cinnamon-sugar swirls, these Easy Cinnamon Rolls are your answer to a cozy morning or an indulgent dessert. Soft, fluffy dough paired with a rich buttery filling and finished with a glossy vanilla glaze — it’s everything you want from a homemade cinnamon roll, minus the fuss.

Whether it’s your first time working with yeast dough or you just want a reliable recipe that turns out every time, this one is a keeper. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have fresh-baked rolls in no time. They’re perfect for lazy weekends, brunch gatherings, or whenever your sweet tooth strikes.

What Kind of Flour Works Best for Cinnamon Rolls?

Use all-purpose flour for the best texture that’s soft yet holds its shape. Bread flour can make them chewier, while cake flour may be too delicate. Stick to a high-quality all-purpose flour for fluffy, tender results every time.

Ingredients for the Easy Cinnamon Rolls

All-Purpose Flour – Essential for building the soft dough structure that gives the rolls their pillowy bite.

Yeast (Instant or Active Dry) – Helps the dough rise and gives the rolls that light, airy texture.

Milk – Warm milk activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.

Butter – Both in the dough and the filling, butter delivers flavor and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Sugar (Granulated + Brown) – Granulated sugar sweetens the dough, while brown sugar in the filling creates that caramel-cinnamon swirl.

Egg – Adds richness and helps bind the dough.

Salt – Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

Cinnamon – The star of the show in the filling, it brings warmth and spice.

Powdered Sugar – Used for the icing, it blends smoothly and adds the perfect amount of sweetness.

Vanilla Extract – Elevates the icing with deep, cozy notes.

Cream Cheese (optional for icing) – For a richer, tangier frosting if you prefer it over a simple glaze.

How To Make the Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add in the rest of the sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix in the flour gradually until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon to create a paste-like filling.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (roughly 16×12 inches). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the surface, going right to the edges.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Roll the dough up tightly from the long edge to form a log. Slice into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 7: Bake

Bake the rolls for 22–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The tops should be lightly golden but still soft.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Whisk together powdered sugar, a bit of milk, vanilla extract, and cream cheese (if using) until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls before serving.

How to Serve and Store Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Serve these cinnamon rolls warm, straight from the oven, with the glaze just set and dripping slightly down the sides. Pair them with coffee or a tall glass of cold milk for the coziest combo. They’re also fantastic as part of a brunch spread next to eggs, fruit, or breakfast casseroles.

To store, place leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 5 days, reheating gently in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months; just thaw, warm, and glaze when ready to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my dough has risen enough?

It should double in size and feel soft and puffy when gently pressed. If the indent slowly springs back, it’s ready.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and slice the rolls, then place them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze?

No problem. Just use a simple glaze of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. It’s still delicious and sweet.

Why did my cinnamon rolls turn out dense?

Most likely the dough didn’t rise long enough or the flour was over-measured. Always spoon and level your flour, and be patient with rising.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Absolutely! Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins over the filling before rolling up the dough.

Is it okay to use plant-based milk or butter?

Yes, dairy alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter work just fine. The texture may vary slightly but the rolls will still be delicious.

Want More Cinnamon Roll Ideas?

If you can’t get enough of sweet, spiced comfort bakes like these Easy Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll definitely want to check out these cozy recipes too:

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups for a handheld breakfast treat with all the cinnamon swirl vibes.
Cinnamon Sugar Pizza made with crescent rolls and a crisp, sugary topping.
Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecanbread if you love cinnamon with a nutty Southern twist.
Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats for a chewy, buttery dessert with caramel undertones.
Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth alternative to cinnamon treats.

These recipes are perfect companions for cozy weekends, potlucks, or gift-worthy bakes.

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Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Did you go with the cream cheese glaze or keep it simple? Maybe added a handful of pecans?

Drop your results in the comments or tag me on social media. Let’s inspire each other to bake more joy into our days.