Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe Easy From Scratch In 2024

Name: Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed; – 1/4 cup granulated sugar; – 1/2 teaspoon salt; – 3/4 cup whole milk; – 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; – 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast; – 1 large egg at room temperature; – 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; – 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar; – 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; – 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature; – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; – 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar; – 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, comforting treat that’s easy to whip up at home, this homemade cinnamon roll recipe is a game-changer. It balances simplicity with delicious results, making it perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends. The fresh aroma of cinnamon and fresh-baked dough will fill your kitchen and bring everyone together.

One standout feature is the ease of preparation, with straightforward steps that take just over two hours from start to finish. You get to enjoy soft, fluffy rolls without needing fancy tools or advanced skills. Plus, using simple, everyday ingredients means you can skip store-bought versions packed with preservatives.

Simplicity for All Skill Levels

This recipe shines for beginners because it uses just one rise, keeping things simple yet yielding rolls that feel like a cozy hug. Even experienced bakers appreciate how quickly it comes together. The homemade cinnamon roll recipe highlights affordable ingredients that deliver big on flavor without overwhelming your budget.

Including this in your routine means you can customize it to suit your needs, from dietary tweaks to flavor boosts. It’s not just about the taste, but the joy of creating something special that adds a personal touch to your meals. Many home cooks find that baking these rolls becomes a fun family activity, fostering memorable moments around the table.

Nutritional Perks and Adaptability

Beyond the taste, this homemade cinnamon roll recipe offers subtle health benefits with its focus on whole ingredients like whole milk and fresh butter. You control the sugar levels, opting for less processed options if you want. This makes it a smarter choice compared to store-bought alternatives that often hide extra sugars and additives.

Versatility is another plus, as you can tweak it for various diets, ensuring everyone enjoys it. Whether you’re adjusting for vegan needs or gluten-free preferences, the base remains delicious. This adaptability turns a simple recipe into a versatile staple that fits into many lifestyles, from busy parents to baking enthusiasts.

The distinctive flavor comes from that perfect mix of sweet cinnamon and tender dough, creating a treat that’s hard to resist. You’ll love how it elevates your breakfast or snack time with its rich, comforting profile. As Isabella Hayes shares on her blog, recipes like this help inspire everyday cooks to try new things and enjoy the process.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe
2. Essential Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe

5. Mastering Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe

8. Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making your homemade cinnamon roll recipe turn out perfectly. Each one plays a specific role in creating those soft, fluffy rolls you’ll love. Start with fresh, quality items to ensure the best results every time.

Ingredients Listed by Section

Below is a complete, structured list of all the ingredients needed for this recipe. I’ve organized them by category for clarity, using the precise measurements provided. This makes it simple to follow along and grab exactly what you need.

For the dough:

2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup whole milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1 large egg at room temperature

For the filling:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the cream cheese icing:

4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

This list covers everything required, so check your pantry and make sure nothing is missing. Using these measurements helps achieve the right texture and taste in your homemade cinnamon roll recipe.

How to Prepare the Perfect Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Making your own cinnamon rolls from scratch is easier than you might think, and this step-by-step guide walks you through it. You’ll start with basic prep and move to baking fluffy rolls topped with creamy icing. For more ideas on breakfast bakes, check out our blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake recipe that pairs well with these rolls.

First, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl to create the dry base. This step ensures even mixing before adding wet ingredients. Heat the milk and butter together until the butter melts and the mixture reaches about 110°F, then whisk in the yeast until it’s fully dissolved.

Mixing and Kneading the Dough

Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients, add the egg, and stir until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 3 to 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it loosely, and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.

Roll the dough into a 14 by 8-inch rectangle on your floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly across the top, then mix the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the butter. Roll the dough tightly into a 14-inch log and cut it into 10 to 12 even rolls, arranging them in a greased 9- or 10-inch pan.

Rising and Baking

Cover the pan and let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 60 to 90 minutes, or until they’ve doubled in size. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for 24 to 27 minutes, covering with foil if they start browning too quickly. They’re done when the internal temperature hits 195 to 200°F.

While the rolls cool slightly, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla, mixing until combined. Spread this icing over the warm rolls and serve them right away. The total time is about 2 hours and 5 minutes, with 1 hour and 40 minutes for prep including rising, and 25 minutes for cooking.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Adapting your homemade cinnamon roll recipe for different needs is simple and keeps the flavor intact. Whether you’re vegan or gluten-free, these tweaks let you enjoy the rolls without compromise. Start by considering protein and main component alternatives to fit your diet.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives include: replacing eggs with flaxseed or chia seed gel for vegan diets, and using plant-based butter substitutes or coconut oil instead of dairy butter for lactose intolerance. These changes help maintain the dough’s structure while keeping things inclusive.

For Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications, try incorporating finely chopped nuts or seeds to add texture and protein. Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can replace sugar for a different twist, and spicing up the filling with nutmeg or cardamom adds seasonal flair. For gluten-free versions, blend gluten-free flour types to keep the dough consistent.

Mastering Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, dive into advanced tips to elevate your homemade cinnamon roll recipe. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading effortless and results in a light, fluffy texture. Allowing longer fermentation can deepen the flavors, making your rolls even more irresistible.

Flavor variations let you get creative, like adding cream cheese to the filling or trying apple-cinnamon for a fruity spin. Presentation tips include drizzling homemade glaze and sprinkling chopped nuts for a polished look. For make-ahead options, assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning to fit busy schedules.

Remember tips like using premium instant yeast to cut rising time or keeping the dough slightly tacky by adding flour sparingly. Whole milk is ideal for richness, but substitutions work if needed. If you’re making a larger batch, prepare multiple dough batches instead of scaling up to keep textures perfect.

How to Store Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your homemade cinnamon rolls fresh and tasty for longer. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to lock in moisture. Freezing is great for meal prep, as you can wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes or use the microwave with a damp paper towel to retain softness. For batch cooking, freeze pre-cut rolls and bake as needed, ensuring convenience without losing quality. These methods make it easy to enjoy your rolls anytime. For more storage ideas, a site like Sally’s Baking Addiction offers helpful insights on baking basics.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Can I use a bread machine to knead the dough for homemade cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to knead the dough, which helps save time and effort. Simply add the ingredients to the machine following your bread maker’s instructions and use the dough cycle for kneading. Afterward, transfer the dough for rising and shaping as the recipe directs. This method is especially useful for beginners or those looking to simplify the process.

How can I make sure my cinnamon rolls come out soft and fluffy?

To achieve soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls, allow the dough enough time to rise—usually until it doubles in size. Avoid adding too much flour, which can make the dough stiff and dry. Also, keep the dough moist and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Using whole milk and fresh yeast can help with texture, and baking rolls in a roomy pan without crowding them encourages even rising.

What is the best way to store or freeze homemade cinnamon rolls?

Homemade cinnamon rolls can be frozen at different stages: after shaping but before their final rise, after partially baking, or fully baked. Freeze them in airtight containers or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen rolls last up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven; partially baked rolls can be finished baking from frozen for best results.

Can I substitute milk or eggs in this cinnamon roll recipe, and what are the results?

Whole milk is preferred for tender dough, but you can substitute 2% milk if needed, though it might slightly affect softness. Egg substitutions haven’t been tested with this recipe, so results may vary if you try alternatives like applesauce or flaxseed egg. If you have dietary restrictions, it’s best to experiment cautiously or follow a recipe specifically designed for substitutions.

How do I adjust the recipe correctly if I want to make more cinnamon rolls, like 18 servings?

It’s generally better to make two separate batches instead of scaling the dough recipe by 1.5. Baking larger quantities by multiplying the dough can change rise times and texture due to ingredient proportions. Preparing two batches ensures consistent dough quality and easier handling, especially during kneading and shaping stages.

Easy Cinnamon Rolls Made from Scratch with Simple Ingredients