Name: Fluffy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Yield: 12 rolls
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons); 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk (for icing); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Hey y’all! If you crave soft, gooey cinnamon rolls that melt in your mouth and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar, you’ve landed in the right place. This Fluffy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your ticket to bakery-style goodness—perfect for cozy weekends, family brunches, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. Get ready for golden, pillowy rolls with swirls of cinnamon and a dreamy vanilla glaze. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This

Ultra-soft, fluffy dough that yields cloud-like cinnamon rolls every time.
Sweet, spiced cinnamon-sugar filling for ultimate comfort flavor.
Easy-to-follow directions make it simple for bakers of any skill level.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a special treat.
Customizable with your favorite toppings, nuts, or glazes.

Ingredients

Dough

1 cup whole milk (warm, 110°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

Cinnamon Filling

2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Vanilla Glaze

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2-3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk to about 110°F. Pour into a large mixing bowl, sprinkle yeast over the milk, and add 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Whisk in the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Punch down the dough and roll out on a floured surface to a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough. Cut into 12 even rolls and arrange in the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the rolls loosely with a towel and let them rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22-25 minutes or until lightly golden and centers are cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Make the Vanilla Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle generously over warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure your milk isn’t too hot or it may kill the yeast—aim for just warm to the touch.
For an overnight option, assemble rolls and refrigerate before the second rise; let them come to room temperature before baking.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the filling slightly.

Variations

Cream Cheese Icing: Swap vanilla glaze for a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Pecan cinnamon rolls: Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans over the filling before rolling up.
Apple cinnamon rolls: Add 1/2 cup finely diced apples to the sugar and cinnamon mixture for fruity bursts.

Required Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Rolling pin
Whisk and spatula
Sharp knife or dental floss for slicing rolls

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cinnamon rolls tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Gently reheat rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before enjoying. For longer storage, freeze baked and cooled rolls without glaze; thaw and ice before serving.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve warm with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or chai latte.
Pair with fresh fruit or a savory egg casserole for a brunch spread.
Top with extra chopped nuts or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for added texture!

Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls

Let dough rise in a slightly warm oven (turned off) for faster, more consistent rising.
For neat slices, use unflavored dental floss to cut the rolled dough log.
Don’t overbake—check at 22 minutes, and pull out when rolls are just golden for maximum fluffiness.