Cinnamon Roll Clara quick dinners

Cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy pastries swirled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious glaze or cream cheese frosting. These warm, sweet rolls are a beloved breakfast treat, perfect for weekends, holidays, or any time you want to enjoy a comforting, homemade baked good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft, gooey, and filled with rich cinnamon flavor. The dough is tender and buttery, the filling is perfectly spiced, and the glaze melts into the warm rolls for a bakery-style finish. Whether you’re baking for a special brunch or prepping ahead for a cozy morning treat, this recipe is both satisfying and customizable.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Active dry yeast
• Whole milk
• Unsalted butter
• Eggs
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Cream cheese (optional, for frosting)
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

directions

1. Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 510 minutes until foamy.
2. Add softened butter, eggs, and salt. Mix well, then gradually add the flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 810 minutes by hand or 56 minutes with a mixer until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
6. Spread softened butter over the dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
7. Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls.
8. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 3045 minutes until puffy.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 2530 minutes until golden brown.
10. While baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla, and a bit of milk or make cream cheese frosting.
11. Drizzle or spread frosting over warm rolls before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Bake time: 2530 minutes
Total time: About 2.5 to 3 hours

Variations

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Use a blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk for a tangy, rich topping.
• Nuts or Raisins: Add chopped pecans or raisins to the cinnamon filling for texture and flavor.
• Maple Glaze: Substitute maple extract in the glaze for a warm, earthy sweetness.
• Mini Rolls: Cut into smaller pieces and reduce the baking time for bite-sized versions.
• Overnight Rolls: After shaping the rolls, refrigerate overnight and bake fresh in the morning.

storage/reheating

Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 1520 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 810 minutes.
For longer storage, freeze baked (unfrosted) rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and frost before serving.

FAQs

Can I make cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, shape the rolls and refrigerate overnight, then bring to room temperature and bake the next day.

Why didn’t my rolls rise?

The yeast may have been inactive, or the environment may have been too cold. Ensure the milk isn’t too hot or too cold.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be added directly to the flour and doesn’t require proofing.

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. Unbaked frozen rolls should be thawed and proofed before baking.

How do I keep cinnamon rolls soft?

Avoid overbaking, and store them in an airtight container. The glaze or frosting helps seal in moisture.

What’s the best way to cut the dough?

Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to make clean cuts without squishing the dough.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, substitute plant-based milk and butter alternatives. Use a dairy-free glaze or skip the frosting.

Why are my rolls tough or dry?

This could be due to too much flour or overbaking. Always add flour gradually and check for doneness early.

What’s the difference between cinnamon rolls and sticky buns?

Sticky buns are typically baked with caramel and nuts at the bottom, while cinnamon rolls are frosted on top.

Can I add fruit to the filling?

Yes, finely chopped apples or dried fruits like raisins can be mixed into the cinnamon layer.

Conclusion

Cinnamon rolls are the ultimate homemade comfort food—fluffy, gooey, and full of sweet cinnamon flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving a batch for later, these rolls are a beloved classic for good reason. Make them for a special breakfast, holiday treat, or simply because you deserve something delicious.

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