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Mom is a wonderful cook and baker and she is “famous” for her cinnamon rolls!!
She used to make and sell them at Christmas decades ago, but now we just make them for fun and pure enjoyment because they really are the BEST homemade cinnamon rolls. It’s one of our most requested family recipes!
Our kids request them frequently for breakfast – especially during General Conference (a bi-annual broadcast for our church) and holidays (we make them every Christmas morning)!
Homemade cinnamon rolls are a family classic and our FAVORITE, but if you’re short on time, try our tasty One Hour Cinnamon Rolls, or for a twist, our Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls!
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Our most requested cinnamon rolls! They always turn out soft and gooey and just so finger-licking good, covered in Cinnamon Roll Icing.
- Great for special occasions. Whether it’s a special weekend, brunch or holiday, these cinnamon rolls are always a hit.
- Make ahead for an easy morning. They’re great for making ahead of time for special events and holidays.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients and Substitutions
Rolls
- 1 packet active dry yeast – A standard packet of active dry yeast typically contains 2¼ teaspoons.
- 1 cup milk, warm – about 110°F
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened – see How to Soften Butter Quickly
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs – room temperature
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – see How to Measure Flour
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar – light or dark brown sugar can be used
- 2 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup butter, softened – salted or unsalted butter
Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar – sifted
- ¼ cup cream cheese – room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
- YEAST. In a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer, dissolve 1 packet of active dry yeast in 1 cup warm milk.
- DOUGH. Add ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir gently, cover, and set aside until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.
- Add ⅓ cup butter, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 eggs, and the remaining 3 cups flour. Mix well with a wooden spoon.
- KNEAD. Turn cinnamon roll dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, or use your dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed (DO NOT OVER-KNEAD – the dough will still be a little sticky). Place back in the bowl and cover with a kitchen towel to let rise until doubled in size.
- FILLING. While the dough is rising, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 2 ½ tablespoons cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons flour in a small bowl.
- ROLL + CUT. With a rolling pin, roll out onto a 21×16-inch rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the ⅓ cup softened butter then sprinkle with the cinnamon mixture. Roll up long ways and cut into 1¾-inch slices seam side down (use a serrated knife, or I like to cut my rolls using dental floss). You should get about 12 cinnamon rolls.
- Place on a greased baking dish or jelly roll pan and let double in size.
- BAKE. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- ICING. While the rolls are baking, whisk ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 ½ cup powdered sugar, ¼ cup cream cheese, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ⅓ teaspoon salt. Spread the cream cheese icing over warm rolls. See Cinnamon Roll Icing for more info.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- DO NOT over-knead, dough will be slightly sticky when done.
- Cut rolled dough with a serrated knife or with unflavored dental floss.
- Room temperature ingredients will incorporate best.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Rolls
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk, warm
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2½ tablespoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup butter, softened
Icing
- ½ cup butter
- 1½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add sugar and 1 cup of flour. Stir gently, cover, and set aside until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.
- Add butter, salt, eggs, and remaining flour. Mix well with a wooden spoon.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes (dough will be a little sticky) Place back in the bowl and cover to let rise until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, make the filling by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl.
- Roll out onto a 21×16-inch rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the ⅓ cup softened butter then sprinkle with the cinnamon mixture. Roll up long ways and cut into 1¾-inch slices. You should get about 12 cinnamon rolls.
- Place on a greased jelly roll pan and let double in size.
- Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
- While the rolls are baking, whisk unsalted butter, powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, salt together and spread over warm rolls
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Store unbaked rolls. Fill, roll, and place the cut rolls on a pan. Cover and store in the fridge overnight, or wrap the pan again with foil and freeze for 1-2 months. Allow rolls to come to room temperature and rise to double before baking.
Allow rolls to fully cool to room temperature before storing. Cover with aluminum and store at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw, if needed, and reheat individual rolls in the microwave, or large batches in an oven set to 300°F.
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Pictures for this recipe were re-taken by contributor, Alicia, of The Baker Upstairs.
This recipe was originally published April 2017.
About how long should the second rise be? I’m new to making cinnamon rolls and need all the specifics.
This recipe was so delicious! This was my first time making cinnamon rolls and pretty proud of myself! They were easy to make, easy to freeze and defrost and still turned out pretty good! Probably won’t buy them from the store anymore!
I have been trying to find the best cinnamon roll recipe for years. I have tried at least 10 different recipes and this is the best! It has the perfect amount of cinnamon. This is for sure one we will be making again.
Everyone was filled with these homemade cinnamon rolls! They are tasty, soft and incredibly savory!
Wow!! These cinnamon rolls really are the best! Super easy to make too — thank you so much for the recipe!!