Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- ½ cup warm water
110°F
- 1 package active dry yeast or instant yeast
¼-ounce
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup melted butter or coconut oil
plus more for brushing
- ½ cup milk
at room temperature
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
plus more for kneading
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons cinnamon
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
sifted
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 recipe Cream Cheese Frosting
Directions
- 1
Grease an 8x11 or 9x13-inch baking dish.
- 2
In a small bowl, stir together the water, yeast, and sugar. Set aside for 5 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.
- 3
Make the dough: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, sugar, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture. Place the flour in a large bowl, then add the wet ingredients and stir until combined. The mixture will be sticky. Use your hands to roughly knead the mixture, then turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for 3 to 4 minutes, or until smooth, sprinkling it with more flour if needed. Form the dough into a ball.
- 4
Brush a large bowl with butter and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- 5
Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- 6
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 20x14-inch rectangle. Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar to within ½ inch of the edges.
- 7
Starting at one of the short 14-inch ends, roll tightly into a log, then use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 rolls. Place the rolls in the baking dish cut-side up, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- 8
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- 9
Make the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, and vanilla until smooth. If it’s too thick, add more milk. Alternatively, make this cream cheese frosting recipe instead of the glaze.
- 10
Uncover the rolls and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly golden on top. Remove and allow to cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle the glaze or frosting on top and serve.
Cinnamon Rolls
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 362 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, warm and gooey straight from your oven. This recipe helps you create that perfect morning moment, delivering comforting flavors and a wonderfully soft texture that makes any day feel a little more special.
What makes these homemade cinnamon rolls truly special is the thoughtful combination of ingredients. With active dry or instant yeast for a tender crumb, and the choice of rich melted butter or coconut oil in the dough, you're building a foundation for incredible flavor. Plus, the classic dark brown sugar and cinnamon filling is generously topped with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting, ensuring every bite is pure bliss.
You can look forward to soft, pillowy rolls swirled with a fragrant, sticky cinnamon filling. The tender dough, sweetened with granulated sugar and balanced with sea salt, provides the perfect canvas for the spices. Each roll is crowned with a smooth, tangy-sweet Cream Cheese Frosting, made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, adding a luxurious finish that balances the warmth of the cinnamon. It's the kind of bake that feels indulgent yet achievable for any home cook.
This recipe offers flexibility right from the start. You can choose between melted butter or coconut oil for the dough, allowing you to tailor the flavor and richness to your preference. For the yeast, either active dry yeast or instant yeast will work beautifully, depending on what you have on hand. When making the Cream Cheese Frosting, you have control over the consistency by adjusting the amount of milk, from 3 to 4 tablespoons, to achieve your perfect spreadable texture.
These warm cinnamon rolls are ideal for a special breakfast, a relaxed brunch, or a comforting treat any time of day. They're perfect enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea.