These warm and gooey cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort treat. Fluffy, buttery, and filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture, they’re finished with a sweet glaze that melts right into each roll for irresistible indulgence. Whether you serve them fresh out of the oven for breakfast or as a dessert, they’re sure to delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced with a generous cinnamon-sugar filling. The rolls bake up golden and tender with gooey swirls, then get topped with a simple glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. This recipe is ideal for family breakfasts, brunches, or a cozy weekend baking project. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly and delivers bakery-quality results right at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Warm milk

• Active dry yeast

• Granulated sugar

• Salt

• Unsalted butter

• Eggs

• Ground cinnamon

• Brown sugar

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Milk (for the glaze)

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes. Add in eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms.

2. Knead and rise: Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

3. Prepare the filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to create a thick paste.

4. Roll out the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface.

5. Form rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into even rolls. Arrange in a greased baking dish.

6. Second rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes.

7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

8. Make the glaze: Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to desired consistency.

9. Glaze the rolls: Drizzle glaze over the warm rolls right after baking.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 cinnamon rolls.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: About 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace the simple glaze with a cream cheese-based frosting for a richer finish.

• Nutty Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture.

• Spiced Version: Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check all other ingredients for gluten content.

• Overnight Option: After forming the rolls, refrigerate overnight and bake fresh in the morning.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat, warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. If desired, add a little extra glaze before serving to refresh the moisture.

FAQs

How do I keep my cinnamon rolls soft and moist?

Ensure you don’t overbake the rolls and store them properly in an airtight container. Adding a little extra glaze also helps retain moisture.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking the next day.

What type of yeast should I use?

Active dry yeast is ideal, but you can also use instant yeast. If using instant, skip the proofing step and mix directly with dry ingredients.

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes. Freeze the baked and cooled rolls without glaze. Reheat and glaze just before serving.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

Check the freshness of your yeast and ensure your milk was warm, not hot. Too hot of a liquid can kill the yeast.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the rolls may be denser. Try using half and half for balance.

How thick should I slice the rolls?

Slice the log into 1 to 1.5-inch sections for even baking and fluffy results.

Can I add raisins or fruit?

Yes, feel free to add raisins, dried cranberries, or even small apple chunks into the cinnamon filling.

What can I use instead of milk in the glaze?

You can use heavy cream, almond milk, or even water, depending on your preference and dietary needs.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The tops should be golden brown and the centers should no longer look doughy. You can also use a thermometer—internal temp should be around 190°F (88°C).

Conclusion

Warm and gooey cinnamon rolls are a beloved classic for good reason. With their soft, fluffy dough, rich cinnamon filling, and sweet glaze, they are the perfect way to treat yourself or impress guests. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated for a quick morning indulgence, these cinnamon rolls never disappoint. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures delicious, bakery-style results right from your kitchen.

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 9–12 cinnamon rolls
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

These warm and gooey cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort treat—soft, fluffy, and loaded with cinnamon sugar swirls, topped with creamy vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!

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Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 3 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1/4 cup water

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 large egg

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Instructions

• In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

• Heat milk, water, and butter until warm (not hot). Combine with dry ingredients and add the egg. Mix to form a soft dough.

• Knead dough for 5–7 minutes, then let it rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes until doubled.

• Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter, sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar evenly.

• Roll into a log and cut into 9–12 rolls. Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.

• Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls.

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Notes

• For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the glaze.

• Rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking.