The Best Gooey Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Ever

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen swirl around this irresistible cinnamon rolls recipe that promises pure comfort.

Soft dough layers fold gently with warm spices, creating magical moments in every bite.

Comfort emerges from simple ingredients transformed into golden, pillowy perfection.

Home bakers discover incredible joy in crafting these decadent treats from scratch.

Fragrant spices dance through your kitchen, beckoning everyone near with their enticing aroma.

Delicate spirals promise a morning celebration that makes breakfast feel like a special occasion.

Warm, gooey centers and tender edges await you – prepare to experience bakery-quality magic right in your own kitchen.

FAQs

• Why is yeast important in this cinnamon roll recipe?

Yeast helps the dough rise, creating soft, fluffy texture and developing rich, complex flavors in the rolls by producing carbon dioxide that makes the dough light and airy.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and proceed with filling and shaping before baking.

• How do I know if my dough has risen properly?

The dough should double in size and look puffy. When you gently press the dough with your finger, it should slowly spring back, indicating it’s ready for the next step.

• What's the best way to cut the rolls evenly?

Use unflavored dental floss by sliding it under the roll, crossing the ends over the top, and pulling quickly. This method creates clean, even cuts without squishing the dough like a knife would.

Cinnamon Rolls Everyone Keeps Talking About

• Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up these cinnamon rolls without advanced baking skills, perfect for beginners wanting a delicious weekend treat.
• Weekend Breakfast Champion: Create a spectacular morning meal that brings family together, filling the kitchen with warm, irresistible cinnamon aroma in just over an hour.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress guests with homemade bakery-style rolls that taste better than store-bought, offering a personal touch of love in every soft, gooey bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough ahead of time, refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning for minimal morning effort and maximum breakfast satisfaction.

Ingredients That Make The Best Cinnamon Rolls

• Milk, Yeast: Warm base for creating soft, fluffy dough texture. Fresh active dry yeast works best.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind ingredients together. Large chicken eggs preferred.
• Butter: Provides flavor and moisture to the dough. Unsalted butter recommended.
• Sugar: Enhances flavor and helps activate yeast. Granulated white sugar ideal.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens gluten. Fine table salt works well.
• Flour: Creates structure for the rolls. All-purpose flour preferred for consistent results.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Classic sweet and spicy filling combination. Soft butter makes spreading easier. Use ground cinnamon for best flavor distribution.

• Butter, Cream Cheese, Vanilla Extract: Creamy, tangy topping with warm vanilla notes. Full-fat cream cheese recommended for smoothest texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting. Sifted for smooth consistency.

Cinnamon Roll Baking That’s Truly the Best

Step 1: Mixing the Dough Magic

Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together warm milk, yeast, egg, melted butter, sugar, and salt until everything blends smoothly.

Slowly add flour while stirring with a wooden spatula.

The dough should come together and stop feeling sticky.

If it’s too wet, sprinkle in extra flour one tablespoon at a time.

Knead the dough for about 3 minutes until it feels soft and elastic.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in a cozy spot for an hour, watching it double in size.

Step 2: Creating the Flavor Explosion

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Mix until the ingredients become a delicious, fragrant blend that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 3: Rolling Out Deliciousness

Dust your countertop with a light layer of flour.

Gently roll out the dough into a rectangle about 17 x 10 inches.

Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly across the surface.

Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a beautiful log.

Use dental floss to slice the log into 8 perfect rolls.

Step 4: Final Rise and Prep

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.

Before baking, brush the tops with a bit more melted butter for extra golden goodness.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the rolls turn a gorgeous light golden color.

Let them cool for about 15 minutes.

Step 6: Whipping Up Creamy Frosting

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Gradually add powdered sugar, blending until the frosting reaches a dreamy consistency.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Generously spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.

Get ready to experience pure breakfast bliss!

Roll Like a Pro with These Cinnamon Tips

Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) around 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it, creating a perfect soft dough texture.

Use dental floss or an unscented thread to slice rolls cleanly without squishing the delicate dough, guaranteeing perfectly shaped cinnamon rolls.

Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like inside an unheated oven with a pan of hot water to help it rise consistently and develop rich flavors.

Cover rolls with a clean kitchen towel during rising to maintain moisture and prevent the edges from drying out, ensuring a soft, tender result.

Adjust powdered sugar gradually to control the frosting’s thickness – less sugar creates a thinner glaze, while more sugar makes a thick, spreadable topping.

Save The Best Cinnamon Rolls for Later

• Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a small damp paper towel to prevent hardening and restore softness.
• Warm rolls at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain their tender texture.

Treats That Go with the Best Cinnamon Rolls

• Pair with Sweet Sippers: Complement the rich, warm cinnamon rolls with a creamy vanilla latte or a smooth chai tea, enhancing the dessert's sweet and spicy notes.
• Match with Breakfast Companions: Serve alongside crispy bacon or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness with a savory element, creating a delightful morning meal.
• Elevate with Fruity Touches: Add a side of fresh berries or a light strawberry compote to cut through the rolls' richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Create Dessert Harmony: Drizzle a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream over the warm rolls for an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth experience that amplifies the cinnamon's warmth.

Cinnamon Rolls Icing and Filling Swaps

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum for better texture and binding. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with a flax egg mixture. Create a dairy-free cream cheese frosting using vegan cream cheese alternatives.
• Whole Wheat Healthy Option: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients. Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in the filling and frosting.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar. Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative in the filling, maintaining the rich cinnamon flavor while reducing overall calorie content.

The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Heavenly “the best cinnamon rolls” promise pure comfort with their golden swirls of buttery sweetness. Warm spices and delicate dough invite pleasure, making each bite a delightful escape from ordinary mornings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (heated to 110°F / 43°C)
• 1 large egg
• 6 tablespoons softened butter
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar

Yeast and Seasoning:

• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 cup brown sugar

Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) softened cream cheese
• 4 tablespoons softened butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast mixture by whisking warm milk, egg, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Ensure thorough blending of ingredients.
2. Incorporate flour gradually into the liquid blend, stirring with a wooden implement until a cohesive dough emerges. Adjust flour quantity if the mixture remains excessively sticky.
3. Manipulate the dough through vigorous kneading for approximately three minutes. Encase the bowl with plastic wrap and position in a heated environment, allowing the dough to expand and double in volume within an hour.
4. Craft the aromatic filling by amalgamating softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until uniformly mixed.
5. Transfer the risen dough onto a flour-dusted work surface. Roll the dough into a rectangular shape measuring roughly 17 x 10 inches.
6. Distribute the cinnamon mixture evenly across the dough’s surface. Commence rolling from the lengthy edge, creating a compact cylindrical formation.
7. Utilize dental floss to slice the log into eight symmetrical segments. Carefully transfer these rolls into a greased rectangular baking vessel.
8. Allow the rolls a secondary fermentation period, covering them with plastic wrap. Position in a warm location for half an hour, enabling further expansion.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Delicately brush the roll tops with remaining melted butter before baking.
10. Bake until the rolls acquire a gentle golden hue, approximately 20-25 minutes. Remove and permit minimal cooling.
11. Prepare the creamy frosting by thoroughly blending softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until silky. Progressively integrate powdered sugar for optimal consistency.
12. Generously lavish the warm rolls with the prepared frosting. Serve immediately and savor the decadent creation.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, consistent dough texture and optimal yeast activation.
• Check yeast freshness by proofing in warm milk; if it doesn’t foam, replace with new packet for perfect rise.
• Knead dough until smooth and elastic, avoiding over-working which can make rolls tough and dense.
• Allow sufficient rising time in warm, draft-free area for maximum volume and soft, pillowy texture.
• Dental floss creates clean, precise roll cuts without squishing delicate dough edges.
• Use butter paper or silicone mat when rolling to prevent sticking and maintain dough integrity.
• Frost rolls while slightly warm for maximum absorption and decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg