The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (Soft and Fluffy)
There’s nothing better than the smell of warm homemade cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. This recipe delivers soft, gooey, and fluffy breakfast rolls topped with rich cream cheese frosting — a sweet breakfast recipe that’s perfect for cozy mornings, brunch, or any time you need a comforting treat.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying these for the first time, this easy baking recipe is straightforward, foolproof, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like a bakery.
Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe uses simple baking ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Every component works together to create the perfect soft, sweet rolls with that classic cinnamon swirl.
Here’s everything you’ll need:
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
2 large eggs, room temperature
⅓ cup melted butter
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
The Cinnamon Filling:
⅔ cup packed brown sugar
1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
The Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions – How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
1:
Prepare the Soft Cinnamon Roll Dough
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until combined.
Slowly add flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
2:
Roll and Fill the Dough for Perfect Cinnamon Buns
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log.
Cut into 12 even rolls using a serrated knife or dental floss.
3:
Let the Homemade Sticky Rolls Rise Again
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.
4:
Bake Your Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. Check after 15 minutes and loosely cover with foil if tops are browning too quickly.
5:
Frost and Serve
Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Spread over warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls
Use room temperature ingredients: Eggs and butter blend better when not cold.
Don’t overflour: Dough should be slightly sticky. Too much flour = dry rolls.
Check rise times: Temperature can affect how quickly your dough rises.
Slice with floss: Dental floss makes cleaner cuts without squishing the dough.
Frost while warm: The frosting melts into the rolls and creates that gooey topping we all love.
Make Ahead Instructions
Want to prep these cinnamon rolls ahead of time? You can refrigerate overnight or even freeze for later. The dough and filling both hold up beautifully, making this one of those simple make ahead breakfast recipes you’ll love for holidays or busy mornings.
Want to prep these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Overnight method: After placing the sliced rolls in the pan, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for about 45 minutes before baking.
Freezer option: Freeze baked rolls (without frosting) in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat in the oven. Add fresh frosting after warming.
Storing & Reheating
Store: Keep in an airtight container for 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge. Reheat: Microwave for 20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes for that fresh-baked softness.
These reheat perfectly for easy breakfast ideas on the go, and the flavor stays just as rich and buttery.
Variations to Try
From sticky buns to pumpkin spice rolls, each version offers a new twist on this classic homemade dessert. Try apple-cinnamon or maple glaze versions for fall baking recipes that fill the kitchen with seasonal warmth.
Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty twists:
Sticky buns: Add a brown sugar and pecan glaze to the bottom of the pan.
Pumpkin spice rolls: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and add ½ cup pumpkin purée to the dough.
Apple cinnamon: Add finely chopped apples to the filling for extra flavor.
Maple glaze: Substitute the cream cheese frosting with a warm maple syrup glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Soft, fluffy, bakery-style texture
✔ Perfect balance of cinnamon sugar and rich frosting
✔ Easy to make at home with simple ingredients
✔ Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Whether you’re baking for a holiday breakfast or just want a cozy weekend treat, these homemade cinnamon rolls are always a hit.
Serve With
Pair these warm, gooey rolls with your favorite morning breakfast foods for a complete meal.
Scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast. Fresh fruit salad for a light, refreshing side. Hot coffee, chai, or cinnamon tea for the perfect cozy pairing.
This recipe fits beautifully alongside easy breakfast ideas, holiday brunch spreads, or simple baking recipes that bring everyone to the table.
