🍥 Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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🍥 Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, Sweet, and Perfect Every Time

There’s nothing quite like the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. Sweet, buttery, and irresistibly soft, these Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are the kind of treat that makes weekends feel extra special. Whether it’s a slow Sunday morning or a celebration brunch, these rolls deliver that warm, bakery-fresh flavor — and they’re easier to make than you might think.

This blog post walks you through everything: from the fluffy dough to the gooey cinnamon filling and creamy icing on top. Let’s roll (pun totally intended)!

🍞 Why Make Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch?

While store-bought versions or pop-can doughs are convenient, nothing compares to homemade. The dough is softer, the flavor is richer, and that fresh-baked aroma? Pure magic.

You control:

  • The level of cinnamon.

  • How gooey you want the filling.

  • What kind of frosting to use.

Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding to pull a tray of golden, spiraled perfection out of your own oven.

📝 Ingredient Breakdown

For the Dough:

  • ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)

  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (room temperature)

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • ¾ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

  • ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

  • 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)

  • 3 tablespoons butter (softened)

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

  • Optional: A splash of milk for thinner icing

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🥛 Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, warm the milk until just above body temperature. Stir in the yeast and a teaspoon of the sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready.

🥣 Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine the milk mixture, sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.

Gradually add in the flour and salt. Knead with dough hook (or by hand) for 8–10 minutes until dough is soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add a tablespoon of flour at a time if it’s too wet.

⏱️ Step 3: Let It Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 to 1½ hours).

🍥 Step 4: Roll It Out & Fill

Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 14x9 inches.

Spread the softened butter over the dough. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle generously over the butter.

🔁 Step 5: Roll & Cut

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Slice into 10–12 equal rolls using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cuts.

Place rolls in a greased 9x13 baking dish, slightly spaced apart. Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

🔥 Step 6: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22–25 minutes, or until lightly golden on top. Don’t overbake — you want them soft and pillowy.

🧁 Step 7: Make the Frosting

While the rolls bake, whip together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add a splash of milk if you prefer a thinner glaze.

🥄 Step 8: Frost & Serve

Spread icing over warm rolls right after baking — it melts into all the nooks and crannies. Or wait until they cool slightly for a thicker topping.

🌟 Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls

  • Room temp ingredients help dough rise better and evenly.

  • Use brown sugar + cinnamon for a gooey, caramel-like filling.

  • Want overnight rolls? Let them rise the second time in the fridge and bake fresh in the morning.

  • Add-ins like chopped pecans, raisins, or orange zest can give your rolls a unique twist.

🧊 Storing & Reheating

  • Store leftovers covered at room temp for 2 days, or in the fridge up to 5 days.

  • Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F until soft.

You can also freeze baked rolls (without icing) and reheat when you need a sweet fix!

💬 Final Thoughts

Making cinnamon rolls from scratch might sound intimidating, but it’s a simple process with a seriously delicious reward. These Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are fluffy, rich, and filled with just the right amount of cinnamon swirl.

Perfect for weekend baking, holidays, brunch spreads — or honestly, just because. Treat yourself. You deserve it.


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