How to Make the Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
American · Medium · 115 min · 12 servings
These soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls are filled with a rich buttery cinnamon sugar mixture and topped with a creamy vanilla glaze. They are perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions when you want to impress family and friends.
Why this recipe works
This Cinnamon Rolls recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 115 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 6g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 0.33 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 0.75 cup packed brown sugar
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Combine warm milk and granulated sugar in a large bowl then sprinkle yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy and fragrant. This confirms your yeast is active and your rolls will rise properly.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add softened butter and flour to the yeast mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Roll the risen dough out into a large rectangle about 12 by 18 inches on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture all over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log shape.
Step 4: Cut and Rise
Slice the log into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cuts. Place the rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish and cover loosely. Allow them to rise for another 30 minutes until they are puffy and touching each other.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze
Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown on top. While they cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- whole milk → oat milk or almond milk for a dairy free version
- unsalted butter in filling → coconut oil for a dairy free alternative
- all purpose flour → bread flour for a chewier and more structured roll
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using milk that is too hot which kills the yeast and prevents the dough from rising
- Not kneading the dough long enough which results in dense and tough rolls
- Skipping the second rise which causes the rolls to be flat and dry after baking
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 6g protein, 58g carbs, 14g fat, 2g fiber.
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