why make this recipe
There’s something truly special about the smell of homemade cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. These soft, fluffy rolls filled with a sweet cinnamon and sugar filling are a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy afternoon snack. Making them from scratch may seem daunting, but with this easy recipe, you too can enjoy warm, gooey cinnamon rolls right in your own kitchen. Plus, they are customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings or frostings.
how to make Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, heat the milk and water until warm (about 110°F). Stir in melted butter and eggs.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is soft and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread melted butter on top, then sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Roll the dough tightly and slice it into rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost the warm rolls with cream cheese frosting.
how to serve Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Serve these cinnamon rolls warm from the oven, drizzled with cream cheese frosting. They make a perfect breakfast or dessert, and you can even enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat any time of the day.
how to store Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
To store leftover cinnamon rolls, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.
tips to make Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure your yeast is fresh to ensure your rolls rise properly.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten, making the rolls light and airy.
- If you want even more flavor, you can add nuts or raisins to the filling.
- Experiment with different frostings, like vanilla glaze or maple cream cheese.
variation
You can add a twist to your cinnamon rolls by including chocolate chips or nuts in the filling. For a pumpkin spice version, add pumpkin puree to the dough and spices to the filling.
FAQs
Can I make cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls up until the second rise, then cover the dish and refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
How can I tell when cinnamon rolls are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and when you tap the top lightly, they will sound hollow.
Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping them. Just place them in a freezer-safe container and bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, heat the milk and water until warm (about 110°F). Stir in melted butter and eggs.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is soft and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread melted butter on top, then sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Roll the dough tightly and slice it into rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost the warm rolls with the cream cheese frosting.