Hey there, friend! If you're anything like me, there's something truly magical about the scent of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven; it instantly feels like home. This Cinnamon Roll Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and I'm so excited to share it with you.
We're talking pillowy-soft dough, swirled with that warm cinnamon-sugar goodness, and topped with a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting that melts right into each roll. It’s everything you love about bakery-style cinnamon rolls, but made right at home; with love.
Whether you're whipping up a cozy weekend brunch or treating your loved ones to something special, this Cinnamon Roll Recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. I’ve tested and tweaked it until it was just right, and trust me, it’s foolproof; even if you’re new to baking!
So if you're searching for a go-to Cinnamon Roll Recipe that delivers every time, this one’s for you. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing; and your heart (and taste buds!) will be so happy.
What Makes These Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Let me tell you; once you’ve tried this Cinnamon Roll Recipe, you’ll never look back. These classic cinnamon rolls are the kind that make people close their eyes on the first bite. We start with a pillowy-soft, enriched dough, then layer it with a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl that fills your kitchen with the dreamiest aroma. And of course, there's that final touch: a generous drizzle of silky cream cheese frosting that melts right into the warm rolls.
The real magic of this Cinnamon Roll Recipe lies in the double rise method. It might sound fancy, but I promise it’s totally doable; and it’s what gives these rolls those unbelievably fluffy, pull-apart layers that practically melt in your mouth.
Whether you’re just starting your baking journey or you’ve been kneading dough for years, this Cinnamon Roll Recipe is designed to walk you through each step with confidence. I’ve tested it again and again in our Tasty Eats Co. kitchen to make sure it’s just right for you. Grab your apron; this might just become your new favorite baking tradition.
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Ingredients
the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
the Filling:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Combine warm milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar from the recipe in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the activated yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on medium-low speed for 5-7 minutes until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still stick slightly to the bottom.
First Rise
- Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Filling and Shaping
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 18x12 inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one long edge.
- Starting from the long edge without the border, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
Second Rise and Baking
- Place rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving space between each roll.
- Cover and let rise again for 45-60 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Version: Add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling
- Orange-Cranberry: Add orange zest to the dough and dried cranberries to the filling
- Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle 1 cup of mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar filling
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store unfrosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: Frosted rolls will keep for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Unfrosted rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
- Make-Ahead: Prepare rolls through shaping, then refrigerate overnight. Let rise at room temperature for 1 hour before baking
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or wooden spoon for hand mixing)
- Rolling pin
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for cutting rolls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean kitchen towel
The Moment I Knew This Was The Cinnamon Roll Recipe
It was one of those quiet, gray Sunday mornings; the kind where the world feels soft and still. I had been in the Tasty Eats Co. kitchen since early, coffee cup in hand, determined to create a cinnamon roll that felt like a warm embrace. After multiple test batches, my counter was covered in flour and notes, but something in me kept saying: not quite yet. I wanted more than just a good Cinnamon Roll Recipe; I wanted that wow moment. The kind that brings people together around the table, that smells like comfort and tastes like home.
And then it happened. The dough rose higher than I expected; so pillowy and tender. The filling bubbled into gooey, buttery ribbons of cinnamon-sugar. And that first bite? Pure magic. The frosting melted into the swirls like it belonged there all along. I sat down with one warm roll in my hands and knew, without a doubt, this was the one. Not just a recipe, but a memory-maker.
This Cinnamon Roll Recipe became my go-to for birthdays, brunches, and even those just-because mornings. Every time I make it, it brings that same joy back; and now I get to share it with you. So take a breath, grab your apron, and let’s bake something beautiful together. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing; and your heart might just grow a little warmer, too.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients for cinnamon rolls recipe?
The essential ingredients for homemade cinnamon rolls are all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, milk, butter, eggs, sugar, and ground cinnamon. For a basic recipe, you'll need 4 cups of flour, 1 packet of yeast (2¼ teaspoons), 1 cup of warm milk, ⅓ cup butter, 2 eggs, and ¼ cup of sugar for the dough. Additional ingredients include brown sugar and more butter for the filling, plus cream cheese and powdered sugar for the frosting.
What is the Cinnabon secret ingredient?
Cinnabon’s signature flavor comes from a special type of cinnamon called Makara cinnamon, sourced from Indonesia. It's more aromatic and rich in natural oils, giving the rolls that deep, warm spice flavor. Combined with their creamy frosting and margarine-based filling, this secret ingredient is what makes Cinnabon cinnamon rolls uniquely crave-worthy and so unforgettable.
What is a dirty cinnamon roll?
A "dirty cinnamon roll" is a playful twist on the classic, often involving extra decadent or unexpected ingredients. It might include swirls of chocolate, espresso powder, spiced rum, or even a caramel drizzle. The idea is to amp up the indulgence; making the roll even gooier, richer, and more dessert-like than your traditional cinnamon roll.
How to make cinnamon rolls more fluffy?
To make cinnamon rolls fluffier, ensure proper proofing by letting the dough rise until doubled in size; twice. Use warm (not hot) milk to activate yeast, and knead the dough just enough to develop gluten. Room temperature ingredients, enriched dough with eggs and butter, and avoiding over-flouring also help create those soft, pillowy layers.
Bring the Warmth Full Circle
There’s something deeply comforting about the way homemade cinnamon rolls can turn an ordinary morning into something unforgettable. This Cinnamon Roll Recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about creating those small, cozy rituals that make life sweeter. Whether you're sharing them with family on a lazy weekend or surprising a friend with a fresh batch, you’re making more than just a treat; you’re making a moment.
And if you’re loving these soul-soothing bakes and feel-good flavors, I’ve got more where that came from. Looking for a savory balance to your sweet creations? Try our comforting and cozy Salmon Soup Recipe; it’s the kind of nourishing bowl that pairs perfectly with a soft roll on the side. Or, if you’re already dreaming of your next dessert adventure, don’t miss our festive and creamy Eggnog Pie; a seasonal favorite that’s just as easy to make and even easier to love.
No matter what you're craving next, I’m so glad you're here baking with me. Keep this Cinnamon Roll Recipe close; it’s the kind of classic you’ll want to return to again and again. Happy baking, sweet friend.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or wooden spoon for hand mixing)
- Rolling pin
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for cutting rolls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean kitchen towel
Ingredients
the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk 110°F
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
the Filling:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Activate Yeast:
- Combine warm milk with 1 teaspoon sugar
- Sprinkle yeast over mixture
- Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy
Make Dough:
- Mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt in stand mixer bowl
- Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and yeast mixture
- Knead with dough hook 5-7 minutes until smooth
- Place in greased bowl, cover
- Let rise 1 hour or until doubled
Prepare Filling:
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt
- Set aside
Shape Rolls:
- Roll dough to 18x12 inch rectangle
- Spread filling evenly, leaving ½ inch border
- Roll tightly from long edge
- Cut into 9 equal pieces
Second Rise:
- Place rolls in lined 9x9 pan
- Cover and let rise 45-60 minutes
- Preheat oven to 375°F
Bake:
- Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown
- Cool 5 minutes
Make Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt
- Beat until fluffy
- Spread over warm rolls
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