Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe

This blog post will teach you how to make fluffy and soft Cinnamon Rolls using this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe. The recipe includes clear step-by-step photos and a video for sure success!

 You may also like my baked goods: Ube Cake Recipe and Easy Dinner Rolls.

Are you looking for a way to indulge in delicious treats while sticking to your budget? How about making cinnamon rolls from scratch? These soft and fluffy baked goods filled with sweet cinnamon sugar and topped with cream cheese icing are a beloved classic for a good reason. Making them might seem intimidating at first, but don’t worry! With this easy homemade cinnamon roll recipe, you can whip up bakery-worthy treats quickly.

Ingredients

• Active Dry Yeast: This type of yeast is used as a leavening agent in baking. When activated with warm liquid and sugar, it produces carbon dioxide gas, which helps the dough rise and creates a light, airy texture in the cinnamon rolls.
• Granulated Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the dough and provides food for the yeast to feed on, aiding in fermentation. It also helps to tenderize the dough and promote browning during baking.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the dough, making it tender and moist. In the filling, softened butter is mixed with a caramel-like filling that melts into the rolls as they bake.
• Eggs: Eggs contribute to the structure and texture of the dough, providing moisture and richness. They also help to bind the ingredients together and create a soft, tender crumb in the finished cinnamon rolls.
• All-Purpose Flour: Flour is the main ingredient in the dough, providing structure and bulk. All-purpose flour, including cinnamon rolls, is versatile and suitable for baking. It contains a moderate amount of protein, which helps develop gluten and gives the rolls their desired texture.

• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the filling and hints of caramel flavor. Its slightly sticky texture helps to hold the cinnamon filling together and creates a gooey, decadent center in the baked rolls.
• Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the star of the filling, providing warm, aromatic flavor and a cozy aroma to the cinnamon rolls. Ground cinnamon is made from dried cinnamon bark, adding a delightful spiciness to the sweet filling.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the base of the creamy frosting that tops the cinnamon rolls. It adds tanginess and richness, balancing out the sweetness of the rolls and providing a smooth, creamy texture to the icing.
• Powdered Sugar: We use this as the sweetening agent for the frosting. It looks like a powder, even like flour.
• Vanilla Extrat or Milk: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the dough and the cream cheese frosting, adding depth and complexity. Its warm, floral notes complement the cinnamon and buttery richness of the rolls, tying all the flavors together harmoniously.

How Do You Make Soft Cinnamon Rolls

• Activate the Yeast: Melt the butter in a medium-sized bowl and add the milk. Check the temperature. It needs to be warm to the touch. Add in the sugar and salt. Mix and add the active dry yeast. Let it sit until a bubble forms.
• Mix the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour to the electric mixing bowl and use the hook attachment. Add the milk mixture, let the hook turn five times, and add the egg. Mix for ten minutes. 
• Lightly Mix the dough. This is a sticky dough. Gently form it into a bowl. Cover and put it in a warm place to double in size. This takes an hour. After an hour, punch the air out by pushing the dough down and remixing it using your hand. Let it sit in a warm place for another thirty minutes.
• Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
• Roll Out the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
• Add the Filling: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
• Roll the Dough: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
• Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or kitchen twine, cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
• Arrange and Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover them with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
• Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. They soften cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
• Ice the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top.
• Serve and Enjoy: Serve the warm cinnamon rolls immediately, and indulge in their irresistible flavor and comforting aroma.

Common Questions

What is the slang for cinnamon rolls?

Slang for cinnamon roll: Some slang terms for cinnamon roll include “cinnamon bun,” “cinnamon swirl,” or simply “roll.”

Are cinnamon rolls good for you?

Cinnamon rolls are delicious treats, but due to their dough, sugar, and frosting ingredients, they are typically high in calories, sugar, and fat. While they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, they are not considered a healthy food choice.

The difference between a cinnamon bun and a cinnamon roll

In common usage, there isn’t a strict difference between the two terms—they are often used interchangeably. However, some might argue that a “cinnamon bun” traditionally refers to a more giant, fluffier pastry with a thicker layer of icing. In contrast, a “cinnamon roll” might refer to a more petite, denser pastry with less icing.

Why put heavy cream in the bottom of cinnamon rolls?

Adding heavy cream to the bottom of cinnamon rolls can help keep them moist during baking and add richness to the flavor. As the rolls bake, the cream evaporates slightly, creating a steamy environment that prevents the dough from drying out too much and adds a soft texture to the bottom of the rolls. Additionally, it can contribute to the sugar’s caramelization, enhancing the rolls’ overall flavor.

How do you keep cinnamon rolls from burning on the bottom?

• Use a light-colored baking pan or line the pan with parchment paper to prevent excessive browning.
• Bake the cinnamon rolls on the middle rack of the oven to ensure even heat distribution.
• Reduce the baking temperature slightly and extend the baking time to allow the rolls to cook through without burning on the bottom.
• Rotate the baking pan halfway through the baking time to promote even browning.

Why are my cinnamon rolls not light and fluffy?

• Overmixing the dough can develop too much gluten, resulting in a denser texture. Mix the dough just until combined to avoid overworking it.
• Improper proofing or rising of the dough can lead to dense cinnamon rolls. Ensure that the dough rises in a warm, draft-free environment until doubled in size.
• Using expired or inactive yeast can prevent proper fermentation and rise of the dough. Always check the expiration date of your yeast and proof it in warm liquid before adding it to the dough.
• Rolling the dough too tightly or loosely can affect the texture of the cinnamon rolls. Aim for a firm but gentle roll to create layers and allow for proper rising during baking.

How Do You Store Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Storing homemade cinnamon rolls is a great way to enjoy them later or if you’ve made a large batch. Follow these storage tips to keep them fresh and delicious for longer:

Following these storage tips, you can keep your homemade cinnamon rolls fresh and delicious for longer, ensuring you can enjoy their irresistible flavor whenever the craving strikes.

• Cool Completely: Before storing the cinnamon rolls, allow them to cool completely at room temperature. It prevents moisture from forming.
• Wrap or Cover: After cooling, wrap each cinnamon roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.
• Refrigerate or Freeze: If you plan to consume the cinnamon rolls within a few days, you can store them in the fridge for up to three days.
•  To prevent them from drying out. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cinnamon rolls. Covered with plastic wrap, Place them in a single layer and freeze.
• Thaw and Reheat: When ready to enjoy the stored cinnamon rolls, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Do a quick warm-up or put it in the oven for a crispier texture. You can microwave or warm them in the oven if reheating from the fridge.