Big, soft, homemade Cinnamon Rolls are irresistible with whipped cream cheese icing that melts over the warm rolls. We love these freshly baked while they are warm but they also reheat well if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers. Watch the video tutorial and you will realize it’s easier than you think to make cinnamon rolls from scratch.
These easy cinnamon rolls are the perfect breakfast for any holiday or special occasion. They are such a treat, especially on Christmas morning and Easter.
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The sweet smell of homebaked treats like Apple Pie and Banana Bread wafting through your kitchen is so comforting and a batch of homebaked cinnamon rolls tops my list of favorites. These are the best when served warm from the oven with some of the glaze melting between each sweet roll.
Cinnamon Rolls Video
This easy Cinnamon Roll Recipe never fails to impress. If you enjoyed this video tutorial, and click the bell icon so you’ll be the first to know when we post a new video.
Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls
These are melt-in-your-mouth soft and the icing is irresistible. As my sister puts it, they are “better than Cinnabon!” and way better than Pillsbury or anything you’d get out of a can.
These easy cinnamon rolls take just 2 hours to make and most of that is rising time. If you’re new to working with yeast doughs, see our tips below and you will be a pro in no time!
The Best Cinnamon Roll Icing
The fluffy cream cheese frosting is so simple with just 4 ingredients and it comes together in 1 mixing bowl: cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. This icing is my favorite the next day when you reheat a cinnamon roll and it gets all melty. I love that it’s not overly sweet but if you like a sweeter glaze, by all means, add more powdered sugar.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls
Homemade cinnamon rolls are easier than you think. In fact, there is very little active time – most of the time required is in letting the dough rise and puff up.
- Make the Dough – combine and knead the dough for 3 min, cover and rise for 30 min in a warm spot
- Roll the dough into a 10×17 rectangle and spread with softened butter
- Sprinkle on cinnamon sugar and roll tightly into a log
- Shape Rolls – Cut into 12 pieces, transfer to a buttered metal 9×13 casserole, cover, and proof 20-30 min in a warm place
- Bake the rolls – Brush tops with melted butter and bake
- Frost rolls– Make the icing and spread it onto warm rolls.
Tips for Working with Yeast
Be sure to use Instant or Rapid Rise Yeast which is a fast-acting and quick-rising yeast. It speeds up the process. We use the Red Star Brand Rapid Rise Yeast and you can also use their Platinum Instant Yeast.
Heat Kills Yeast and stops the rising process. Never overheat the liquids (they should be 110˚ to 115˚F) and keep the oven under 110˚F if proofing in the oven. I double-check temperatures with an instant-read thermometer.
Pro Tip: “Rapid Rise Yeast” and “Instant Yeast” are used interchangeably. They are not the same as “Active Dry Yeast” which requires additional activating and proofing.
How to speed-proof dough
Yeast doughs require rising times. In most cases, you can cut the rising time by proofing in a warm place around 100˚F to 110˚F.
- Oven Proofing: If you don’t have a low heat proofing setting, you can warm your oven to the lowest heat setting for 2 minutes and turn it OFF. Set the dough bowl over a towel in the oven to proof, just don’t forget the towel in the oven.
- Microwave Proofing: Place a damp kitchen towel in the microwave and heat on high for 1 minute. Cover dough with plastic wrap, place in the warm microwave, and let rise in the warm microwave with the door closed.
Common Questions
Butter plays a crucial role in how moist the cinnamon rolls are. Unless you want a dry cinnamon roll, don’t skimp on the butter. In fact, you can use even more inside the rolls and brush the tops with double the butter.
All-purpose flour or bread flour works well for cinnamon rolls. Bread flour is even better and has a higher amount of gluten to give you the softest, fluffiest rolls.
In recent years, I have found that a metal baking pan works best. It conducts heat faster and gives your buns color a little earlier so there is less risk of over-baking.
Set the dough in a warmer place (100-110˚F oven). Avoid overheating or it will kill the yeast. Also, check that yeast is not expired and avoid adding too much flour.
Avoid over-proofing your dough. If you let it rise for too long, you will exhaust the yeast and the rolls can fall flat or seem dry when baked. Also, avoid adding too much flour and over-baking.
Make-Ahead Cinnamon Rolls
If you love make-ahead desserts like Lemon Bars, Baklava, and Cheesecake, you’ll be happy to know that you can make cinnamon rolls the day before and enjoy freshly baked cinnamon rolls in the morning. Check out our Overnight Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
To Reheat: You can quickly warm refrigerated rolls in the microwave for 18-20 seconds. The dough becomes soft and the frosting softens and melts like a thick glaze over the cinnamon roll.
These cinnamon rolls and whipped cream cheese frosting remind me of my favorite bakery rolls and you really can’t beat a freshly baked cinnamon roll.
More Dessert Recipes
These are some of our favorite dessert recipes for special occasions or if I’m craving a bakery-quality treat at home.
Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients for Cinnamon Rolls:
- 1 cup warm milk , (110-115˚F), not hot
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, (rapid rise)
- 1 large egg , room temp
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter , melted, divided
- 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour, plus 2 to 4 Tbsp (and more to dust)
For the Cinnamon Roll Filling:
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter , softened, plus more to for grease pan
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter , softened
- 4 oz cream cheese , softened
- 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls:
- In a large mixing bowl (or using a stand mixer), add 1 cup warm milk (110-115˚F) and sprinkle with 1 packet instant yeast. Whisk in 1 egg, 4 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp melted butter and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Add 3 cups flour (measured correctly*) and stir in with a firm spatula or wooden spoon. Add more flour 1 Tbsp at a time just until dough is no longer sticking to fingertips or the walls of the bowl. It should still feel slightly sticky but won’t stick to clean/dry fingertips. Knead dough by hand for 3 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm 100˚F oven for 30 minutes (or at room temp 1 hour), until doubled in size.
- Generously dust a clean work surface with flour and turn the dough out onto the floured surface. Sprinkle dough lightly with flour and roll into even 17″x10″ rectangle, squaring off the sides. Dot the surface of dough with 6 Tbsp softened butter and spread it out evenly all the way to the edges.
- In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon and sprinkle ALL OF IT evenly over buttered dough. Roll the dough up starting with one of the longer sides and work in a typewriter motion, keeping a tight roll. Once it's rolled up, push ends in slightly to make them a little more uniform then slice into 12 equal-sized rolls.
- Butter sides and bottom of a 9×13 metal baking pan with 1 Tbsp butter and arrange cinnamon rolls, evenly spaced with the cut-side down. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm 100˚F oven 20-30 minutes, (or room temp 50-60 min), until puffed. Do not proof too long.
- Brush tops with 1 Tbsp melted butter and bake at 350˚F for 20-24 mins or until tops are lightly golden. Let cool in pan 15 minutes then frost warm buns generously with the cream cheese glaze (instructions below).
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Icing:
- In a medium bowl with an electric hand mixer, cream together 4 Tbsp softened butter and 4 oz cream cheese. Beat in 1/2 Tbsp vanilla then add 1 cup powdered sugar and continue mixing on high speed until fluffy (3-4 min), scraping down the bowl as needed.
Notes
**Liquid should not be hotter than 115˚F and oven no hotter than 100˚F or you will cook and ruin the yeast.
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
Could not find your printed recipe for the Cinnamon rolls on this site. It’s almost 1:00 am, so I’m going to give up!
Hi Sharon, you can check out these Cinnaom Roll recipes. The easiest way to search for a recipe is to go to my website and type the name of the recipe in the search field in the upper right corner of the screen. I hope that helps!
Your recipes always come out very good! My family loved the cinnamon rolls. Thanks so much.
I’m so glad! Thank you for sharing that with me.
Hi Natasha, I’m a huge fan of all your recipes, I have a question I only have Active dry yeast, can I use it? What extra steps do i need to make?
Thank you
Hi Ximena, you could use active dry yeast but I would suggest following the tutorial for our classic cinnamon rolls.
Shame on me for not checking this site first… I searched for cinnamon roll recipes this past weekend and didn’t find any that suited. I should have known NK would have the perfect recipe! Every single NK recipe that I’ve tried so far has been perfection. Next weekend I’m giving these rolls a shot, I’ll let you know how it goes. Thank you for your excellent, clear, and always tasty recipes. Next time, I’ll start my searches here rather than on Pinterest….
I’m so so happy you found this recipe, Lori! Thank you for sharing that thoughtful feedback with me!
Just made these for the family. It was my first time making cinnamon rolls. They got rave reviews from everyone! My parents even tried to convince my sister not to take one, so they could have more for themselves. I will definitely be making these again!
Haha, they sure loved the cinnamon rolls. You should make more for everyone next time!
Can I use salted butter?
Hi Jess, you sure can. You may need to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
I made these today at my wife’s request. Very easy recipe to follow and loved the video. Delicious.
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
I’ve made these as buns last Christmas, but could I make this as a loaf to make cinnamon bread? Minus the icing of course.
Hi Melanie, I love your ide! I have not tested that as a loaf to advise. If you experiment please let me know how you like it.
I used the same recipe instead of cutting into pieces, I baked it seam side down in a loaf pan for 35 mins and I wish I could show you a picture. So delicious.
Wow that sounds so good! I would love to see it if you want to email it to me: Natasha @ natashaskitchen.com (no spaces). Did you divide it into 2 separate loaf pans?
No, only one loaf, but I think the next time I make it, I’m going to let it rise again, but not sure I need to…I will send a picture.
I have an update, after making this AGAIN into a loaf. The first attempt, the loaf came out great, but had the consistency of a cinnamon roll (dense). I prepared it and let it rise again for 30 mins in the loaf pan, Baked on 350 for 35 mins and it’s Ahhhmazzzing. It’s “bread” consistency and so tasty. Thank you for getting me out of my “making bread” comfort zone.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Best cinnamon bun recipe!! I will always use this one from now on. Thanks Natasha.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it Christina!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Christina!
I love this recipe but it took a very long time because my oven doesn’t go down to 100 degrees so I had to let the flour sit for a while. Is there an alternative like placing it in oven at higher heat for a shorter amount of time
Hi Natasha,
I made the cinnamon roll and its yummy.
Thank you
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed that!
Easy excellent instructions they are in the oven now and look wonderful thank you for a great recipe Keep up your good work!!!
Thank you for that wonderful compliment!
Hi! Loved your recipes! Have you tried proofing this in an instapot? Any recommendations on how long to set it? Thanks.
HI Rica, I haven’t tried proofing in an instant pot but if you test it out, please let me know how it goes and what size pot and settings you used. I have had another person ask about this, but haven’t been able to test it myself.
Hi Natasha,
Is there an alternative to the quick rising yeast?
Hi Anju, you could use active dry yeast but I would suggest following the tutorial for our classic cinnamon rolls.
I’ve been craving cinnamon rolls forever now! Came across yours.. the recipe seemed fool proof. And.. it WAS! So easy to make! The dough was a dream to work with! When they came out of the oven and were iced (i had to double the recipe for icing)… they’re soooo fluffy and legit melt in your mouth! The dough comes out to be a cloud, no joke!! Thank you for making such easy but delicious recipes! My 5 year old had so much fun helping making these as well!
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Olia!
Yum yum!
I’m so glad you enjoyed that.
I didn’t think I could ever bake cinnamon rolls in my life but I’ve wowed my family and surprised myself.This is such an easy and clear recipe.Bonus is I’ve learnt something new during quarantine 🙂
Thanks Natasha.
Kudos for doing a good job, Kim! I hope you love every recipe that you try, thanks for giving this recipe a thumbs up!
This recipe is the BEST! My first time baking cinnamon rolls ever! I am so happy with the results! Thanks, Natasha! Your recipes are awesome. My family loved it! I will be making more of these.
Yay so happy to read your comments, Johnalynne. I’m glad that your first time making cinnamon rolls was a success! Thank you for your great feedback and take care.
It was have been nice if you would share the exact measurements. 12 slices from a 17 inch roll. Not all of us are good with numbers. I ended up getting 13 pieces.
Thank you for that suggestion Tamara.
You just half the roll. Now you have 2 pieces. Half those pieces and now you have 4 pieces. And now cut each of the 4 pieces into 3 pieces. That makes cutting into 12 easy.
Hi, how do I know the if the temperature of the milk is just right if I don’t have a thermometer ?
Hi Ayesha, it should feel warm to the touch. Warm water 100-110˚F will should feel like a baby’s bath water.
Love watching your cooking Natasha! Where can buy a baking pan just like the one you used for the cinnamon rolls.
Thank you! I used the Staub Baking Dish Set here. I hope that helps!
I have baked this 3x and tastes yummy all the time. However, the center of my cinnamon always puff out. Any idea why?
Hi Mary, it could be due to letting the cinnamon roll dough rise too long, or using too much leavening, or even packing them in too tightly in a baking pan.
Hi Natasha!
I love your recipe and am planning on making 6 rolls instead of 12 (can’t eat all of them by myself haha). For the egg, would u recommend just using the whole thing, or beating it lightly then portioning out half? Thanks so much!
Hi Angie, beating it and portioning half should work!