I don’t know who could resist these homemade cinnamon rolls. Rich and fluffy, with a soft, buttery interior, they’re truly irresistible. You can hardly stop at just one roll.
My daughters love them so much that I have to make them quite often — they’ve become one of their favorite snacks lately. I usually make a whole batch and freeze some for later; otherwise, we eat them all in one day 🙂
I’ve been asked for this recipe many times, and I’m so happy to finally share it with you. The recipe is quite easy: all you have to do is prepare the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, you prepare the cinnamon butter filling.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling, and roll it up. Cut it into equal pieces and transfer them to a baking pan. Let them rise for about one hour, then bake. The smell while they’re baking is unforgettable.
Drizzle the rolls with a little vanilla milk glaze or cream cheese frosting to make them even more tempting. We also like to serve them with a cold cup of milk.
You can use this dough recipe for other fillings too, like poppy seeds, nuts, or fruit, but always use butter within the layers — this is what makes the rolls so fluffy and soft. They’ll turn out wonderfully no matter the filling.
These are classic cinnamon rolls, different from the cinnamon rolls I posted a while ago, which use whipped egg whites, cinnamon filling, and a butter-based dough. Both recipes are incredibly good, so I recommend trying both and seeing which one you prefer.
Although they’ve become more popular in the US, where they’re considered one of the star desserts of American baking, their origin seems to be in Sweden, where they even have a dedicated National Cinnamon Bun Day. They’re especially enjoyable at this time of year, although I have to admit I can’t say no to one at any time of year, haha!
The dough requires preparation time — not because it’s difficult, but because it contains yeast and therefore needs proper rising and resting. For this reason, I recommend carefully reading the recipe and planning the timing so the rolls are perfectly risen when you want to serve them.
Another fun feature of this recipe is its presentation. You can bake the rolls individually on a baking sheet, leaving space between them, or bake them together in a round or rectangular pan, or even in a skillet. They always look fantastic! The only differences are:
- Whether you let them rise already shaped or together in the pan
- Slight variations in baking time, depending on the format
The filling is very basic and simple: sugar, cinnamon, and butter. You can also add chocolate chips or rehydrated sultanas, as I did here.
As for the frosting, it can be prepared in several ways. The lightest version uses only sugar, while a richer option includes cream cheese frosting.
Both are delicious — it really depends on how much of a sweet tooth you have that day! You can also serve them with melted chocolate, chocolate cream, or sugar pearls, as they’re often served in Sweden.
This recipe is truly easy to make. Don’t worry about the rising times — they’ll do their job on their own! Give it a try; everyone at home will be thrilled.
And now, all that remains is for me to leave you with the recipe and wish you, from the bottom of my heart, a beautiful Christmas and a new year full of hope and new projects.
Table of Contents
How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Recipe Overview
Servings: 9
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Ingredients for 9 Cinnamon Rolls
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Dough | Whole milk | 150 mL |
| Dough | Dried baker’s yeast | ~6 g |
| Dough | White sugar | 50 g |
| Dough | Wheat flour | 450 g |
| Dough | Salted butter, melted | 80 g |
| Dough | Egg | 1 |
| Dough | Salt | A pinch |
| Filling | Brown sugar | 110 g |
| Filling | Ground cinnamon | 3 tsp |
| Filling | Salted butter | 60 g |
| Frosting | Salted butter | 60 g |
| Frosting | Cream cheese | 100 g |
| Frosting | Icing sugar | 130 g |
| Extra | Hot cream | 120 mL |
Useful Equipment
Recommended kitchen tools for this recipe:
- Kitchen scale
- Kitchen brush
- Bread knife
- Measuring jug
Tips and Tricks for Sweet and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
- Cold weather rising: Cinnamon rolls rise slower in winter. Heat a bowl of water and place it on the bottom rack of the oven, then place the rolls inside with the oven off.
- Storage: Cinnamon rolls dry out the next day. Keep them in the refrigerator if not eaten the same day.
- Reviving leftovers: Microwave refrigerated rolls for 15–20 seconds to restore softness.
- Perfect frosting: Mix butter, cream cheese, and icing sugar. Thin with cream if too thick, or add sugar if too runny.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
1. Make the Dough
- Mix in a bowl:
- 150 mL lukewarm milk
- 6 g dried yeast
- 50 g white sugar
- Let sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
- In another bowl, combine:
- Flour, melted butter, egg, and salt
- Pour the yeast mixture into the second bowl and mix until a uniform dough forms.
- Knead for 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
- Mix 110 g brown sugar with 3 tsp cinnamon.
- Leave butter and cream cheese at room temperature for easy spreading.
3. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls
- Roll the dough into a rectangular shape (approx. 38 × 28 cm).
- Spread 60 g butter evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Cut into 9 equal pieces using a serrated knife.
- Trim the ends to ensure uniform rolls.
4. Bake and Frost
- Place rolls on a baking sheet, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Pour 120 mL hot cream over and between the rolls.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Mix frosting ingredients while baking.
- Spread frosting over hot rolls and let rest for 30 minutes before serving.
Video Guide 📽️
Per Serving (1 Roll)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 181 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 31.6 g |
| Protein | 2.8 g |
| Fat | 5.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
| Sugar | 19.3 g |
Dish: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon, homemade rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls in advance. Once shaped, place them in the pan, cover well, and store them in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and rise properly before baking.
Can I freeze homemade cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely. You can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing after baking, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container. Reheat gently to restore their soft and fluffy texture.
Why did my cinnamon rolls turn out dense?
Dense rolls are usually caused by under-kneading, expired yeast, or insufficient rising time. Make sure the yeast is active and allow the dough to rise fully.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, whole milk is recommended for richness, but you can use semi-skimmed or plant-based milk. The texture may be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the sugar in the dough or filling, but keep in mind that sugar contributes to both flavor and softness.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm them briefly before serving to bring back their fresh-baked feel.
Conclusion
These easy homemade cinnamon rolls are the perfect balance of soft, fluffy dough, rich cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting. While they do require a bit of patience due to rising time, the process itself is simple and very rewarding.
Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven, shared with family, or saved for later, they’re a comforting treat that never disappoints. Give them a try, and enjoy the warmth and aroma that make these rolls truly unforgettable.
Enjoy every bite! 😊
