Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe

There is something truly magical about waking up to warm, gooey cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, and with my Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe, you can make that dream come true in your own kitchen without any fuss. This recipe blends soft, tender dough with a perfectly spiced cinnamon-sugar swirl, all topped with a luscious cream cheese icing that melts right over the rolls. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cozy weekend morning or impressing friends and family, these rolls deliver that irresistible homemade comfort without needing any special shortcuts or complicated steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple staples that come together effortlessly to create the soft texture, rich flavor, and golden color you want in your cinnamon rolls. Each component plays a key role, from tenderizing the dough to adding sweet warmth in every bite.

• 2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure when combined correctly.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the spices and dough.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the dough balanced.
• 3/4 cup whole milk: Contributes moisture and tenderness, helping create that soft crumb.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted into the milk for a rich, buttery dough base.
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast: The magic that makes the dough rise and become airy.
• 1 large egg: Adds richness and lends strength to the dough’s structure.
• 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter: For spreading the cinnamon sugar filling smoothly.
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes for the perfect filling.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The classic warm spice that defines these rolls.
• 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for the smoothest icing.
• 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter: Blends with cream cheese to make the frosting creamy and rich.
• 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar: Gives the icing the perfect sweetness and silky texture.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant warmth to the frosting.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking the flour, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl. This ensures that every bite is perfectly seasoned and that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Setting this mix aside will prepare you to incorporate the wet ingredients seamlessly.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Activate Yeast

In a heatproof bowl, combine the milk and butter. Warm it gently until the butter melts and the liquid feels warm to the touch, about 110°F or 43°C—just perfect to awaken the yeast without overheating. Stir in your yeast until it dissolves completely. This step kickstarts the rise that creates your rolls’ fluffy texture.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Pour your warm milk mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients and add the egg. Mix with a sturdy spatula, wooden spoon, or a stand mixer to form a soft dough. Then, lightly flour a surface and knead the dough gently for 3 to 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, a little extra flour will help.

Step 4: Prepare and Fill the Dough

Roll your dough out to a 14 by 8-inch rectangle, then slather on the softened butter. Mix your brown sugar with cinnamon, and sprinkle this warmly fragrant mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Roll the dough tightly into a 14-inch log and cut into 10 to 12 equal portions, ready to be placed in your prepared baking pan.

Step 5: Let the Rolls Rise

Cover your pan and let those cinnamon rolls rest in a warm spot for 60 to 90 minutes until they puff up and nearly double in size. This slow rise is what develops their airy, tender crumb that makes each bite melt effortlessly in your mouth.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake your rolls for 24 to 27 minutes, watching for a golden top. If the rolls brown too quickly, a loose foil tent will protect their delicate surfaces without sacrificing the final crust.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Icing and Frost

While baking or just after, whip softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Blend in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until you have a luscious frosting. Spread this generously over your warm rolls, letting it melt into all the nooks and swirls for that perfect finish.

Step 8: Store or Enjoy Immediately

Enjoy your beautiful cinnamon rolls right away for best flavor and texture, or cover leftovers tightly to keep them fresh. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a sweet treat.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese icing takes your cinnamon rolls to the next level in both flavor and presentation. A drizzle of caramel sauce can add an indulgent touch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon rolls with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic breakfast duo. For a brunch spread, include fresh berries, Greek yogurt, or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness with protein and fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your rolls in individual ramekins for a charming look or layer them in a beautifully lined basket for a cozy baked-goods gift. You could also twist your rolls with small amounts of nuts or dried fruit tucked into the cinnamon swirl for fun flavor variations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking and frosting, cover your cinnamon rolls tightly at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerate them for up to five days. Room temperature storage keeps them soft and ready to enjoy the next morning.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cinnamon rolls after cutting and placing them in the pan, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. When ready, thaw and complete the rising and baking process. Baked rolls can also be frozen; thaw gently before reheating.

Reheating

Warm your cinnamon rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds each or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This refreshes their softness and re-melts the icing for that just-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it first in warm water before mixing it into the dough, which adds a few extra minutes to the process.

Why is my dough sticky after kneading?

Cinnamon roll dough is naturally soft and slightly sticky, but if it’s too wet to work with, sprinkle in a bit more flour gradually until it reaches a smooth, manageable consistency.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly overnight in the refrigerator, then roll, slice, and bake fresh the next day for a convenient morning treat.

How can I tell when the rolls have fully risen?

The rolls should be nearly doubled in size and look puffy. A gentle poke should leave a slight indentation that springs back slowly.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the icing?

Cream cheese provides that tangy richness that complements the cinnamon sweetness perfectly, but you can substitute with a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer something lighter.

Final Thoughts

Making cinnamon rolls from scratch might sound intimidating, but with this Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe, it becomes a genuinely joyful kitchen adventure that rewards you with melt-in-your-mouth perfection every single time. Trust me, once you try these homemade beauties, you’ll never look back at store-bought again. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and share the warmth of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls with your loved ones today!

Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 10-12 rolls
• Category: Breakfast/Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

These Easy Cinnamon Rolls from scratch combine a soft, pillowy dough with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly fluffy and tender, these cinnamon rolls are baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious homemade icing that melts into every bite. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting treat any time of day.

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Ingredients

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Dough

• 2 and 3/4 cups (344g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk
• 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star or any instant yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1 large egg, at room temperature

Filling

• 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, extra softened
• 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

Frosting

• 4 ounces (113g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2/3 cup (80g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare dry ingredients: Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.
2. Activate yeast and form dough: Heat milk and butter in a heatproof bowl until the butter melts and mixture is warm to the touch (about 110°F/43°C). Whisk in the yeast until dissolved. Pour into dry ingredients, add the egg, and stir with a sturdy spatula or use a stand mixer with paddle attachment on medium speed until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 3-5 minutes until smooth. Add more flour if the dough is sticky. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover loosely, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
4. Roll out dough and add filling: Roll dough into a 14×8-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter on top. Mix cinnamon and brown sugar, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough. Roll dough tightly into a 14-inch log.
5. Slice and arrange rolls: Cut the log into 10–12 even pieces. Arrange the rolls in a lightly greased 9 or 10-inch round, pie dish, or square baking pan.
6. Let rolls rise: Cover pan with foil, plastic wrap, or a towel. Allow rolls to rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
7. Bake the rolls: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 24–27 minutes until lightly browned. If tops brown too quickly, tent with foil. Internal temperature should be 195–200°F (91–93°C) when done. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
8. Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese on high speed until smooth. Add butter and beat until combined. Beat in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until frosting is smooth and creamy. Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately.
9. Store leftovers: Cover leftover frosted or unfrosted rolls tightly. Store at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 5 days.

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Notes

• Use instant yeast for quick and reliable rising without proofing.
• If dough is sticky during kneading, add additional flour gradually to achieve a smooth texture.
• Ensure milk-butter mixture is warm but not hot to keep yeast alive.
• Roll cinnamon sugar filling evenly to get consistent flavor in every bite.
• Cover rolls loosely during rising to prevent drying out.
• Check internal temperature of rolls to ensure perfect doneness.
• Frost rolls while warm for easier spreading and better absorption.
• Leftover rolls can be reheated gently before serving.