These homemade yeast cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful treat, they are sure to impress family and friends.
The recipe involves basic baking techniques and uses simple ingredients. With a little patience for the dough to rise, you can enjoy warm, gooey cinnamon rolls right from your oven.
Creating the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Dough
To achieve the ideal cinnamon roll, starting with the dough is essential. Begin by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Allow this mixture to sit until it becomes frothy, which indicates that the yeast is active.
Next, incorporate melted butter, salt, and eggs, mixing thoroughly. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until the dough reaches a soft consistency. Kneading the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes will help develop its elasticity, ensuring fluffy rolls.
The Importance of Rising Time
Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth. This step is crucial, as allowing the dough to rise in a warm environment for about an hour will enable it to double in size. The fermentation process not only enhances flavor but also contributes to the light and airy texture of the rolls.
After the first rise, the dough is ready for the next steps, which include rolling and filling. Patience during this phase pays off with delicious results.
Preparing the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. Combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will create the rich, sweet flavor that defines cinnamon rolls.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over the surface, followed by an even sprinkle of the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld together when baked.
Shaping and Second Rise
After spreading the filling, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces, ensuring each roll is uniform for even baking. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, allowing them to rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise is vital for achieving that perfect fluffiness.
Cover the rolls during this time to retain warmth and moisture, which will help them puff up beautifully.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they transform into golden brown delights. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
While the rolls bake, prepare the creamy icing by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This icing will add a delightful finish to your warm cinnamon rolls.
Serving and Enjoying Your Cinnamon Rolls
Once baked, drizzle the icing generously over the warm rolls. The contrast of the warm, fluffy rolls and the sweet, creamy icing creates a comforting breakfast experience.
Serve them fresh from the oven alongside a cup of coffee for a delightful morning treat. These homemade cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Delicious Yeast Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe yields a batch of 12 cinnamon rolls, which are baked until golden brown and topped with a creamy icing. The total time for preparation and baking is approximately 2 hours, including rising time.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add melted butter, salt, and eggs, mixing well.
- Add Flour: Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle, spread softened butter over it, and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly.
- Shape Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Make Icing: While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Serve: Drizzle the icing over warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 52g