Name: Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 3/4 cups (344g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled, plus more as needed; 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk; 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter; 2 and 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star or any instant yeast (1 standard packet); 1 large egg, at room temperature; 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, extra softened; 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon; 4 ounces (113g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2/3 cup (80g) confectioners’ sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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There’s something truly magical about waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, right? This Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe brings that magic right into your kitchen without needing fancy skills or hard-to-find ingredients. What I love most is how the dough turns out perfectly soft and fluffy every single time, making it a go-to recipe for weekend breakfasts, cozy brunches, or even a mid-afternoon treat.

Plus, baking these from scratch means you can skip preservatives and adjust sweetness exactly how you like it. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just diving in, this recipe walks you through everything with simple steps, so you’ll feel like a pro and impress anyone lucky enough to dig in. Trust me, once you try this Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe, you’ll never want store-bought again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a vital role, working together to create that classic cinnamon roll texture and flavor you crave. I recommend using fresh yeast for the best rise, and whole milk keeps the dough rich and tender. Let’s break down what you’ll need!

All-purpose flour: Make sure it’s spooned and leveled for accurate measurement. It gives structure but won’t weigh down the rolls.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to add subtle sweetness to the dough.
Salt: Enhances flavor balance without overpowering.
Whole milk: Warm (not hot) helps activate the yeast and makes the dough soft.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the salt content better, and the fat creates moisture.
Red Star Platinum Yeast (instant yeast): This yeast smells amazing and works quickly without needing proofing in water.
Large egg: Room temperature helps incorporate better and adds tenderness.
Brown sugar: For the filling—packed light or dark creates that wonderful caramel flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Freshly ground if possible for that aromatic punch.
Cream cheese: Full-fat block style, softened for the frosting’s creamy tang.
Confectioners’ sugar: Powdered sugar makes the icing smooth and sweet.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the icing.

Variations

I love tweaking my Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. Don’t hesitate to make it your own! Here are some of my favorite twists:

Nutty delight: I sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch—it’s a game-changer for texture.
Vegan version: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use a flax egg—I’ve tried this on a friend who’s vegan, and they couldn’t tell the difference!
Spiced up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling adds a cozy complexity.
Fruit twist: Mixing in dried cranberries or raisins gives bursts of tartness.
Gluten-free: With a blend of gluten-free flour, this recipe can be adapted nicely—just expect a slightly denser roll.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough

Start by warming your milk until it’s just warm to the touch (about 110°F or 43°C) – too hot and it’ll kill your yeast! In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add in the warmed milk, melted butter, and beaten egg, then stir until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a little more flour but be careful not to add too much or your rolls can get tough. This step really makes or breaks your dough texture, so be patient and enjoy the process—it’s like a mini workout with a delicious reward!

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly oil a bowl and place your dough inside, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Leave it to rise in a warm spot—my kitchen windowsill works perfectly—until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed this up by placing the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turned off, but with the oven light on). This resting time is crucial because it lets the yeast work its magic, giving you fluffy rolls later.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling and Roll Out

While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Once your dough has puffed up, roll it out on a floured surface to a roughly 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture on top, covering every inch. The key here is getting an even layer so every bite has that perfect balance of cinnamon and sweetness.

Step 4: Shape and Slice the Rolls

Starting with a long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into about 9 equal pieces. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect—handmade charm counts here! Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9-inch round baking pan or a square one if you prefer a different shape. Cover again and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes; they’ll look puffed and ready to bake.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cinnamon rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them towards the end because ovens vary. If you notice the tops getting too dark but the rolls aren’t fully baked, loosely cover with foil and continue baking. The smell at this point is unbeatable—I can never wait to try just a warm bite straight from the oven.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls cool slightly, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting generously over the warm (not hot) cinnamon rolls so it melts into every nook and cranny. I always end up licking the bowl here—it’s that good!

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe

Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love topping these rolls with a little extra sprinkle of cinnamon or some chopped nuts for texture just before serving. Sometimes I throw on a handful of fresh berries to brighten things up visually and add a juicy contrast. It’s those small touches that make your breakfast table feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte for that perfect cozy combo. For a fuller brunch, I like serving them alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon—the sweet and savory mix delights everyone. Fresh fruit salad is also a refreshing option that balances the rich sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, I’ve baked these rolls in mini muffin tins to make bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or kid’s lunches. Another fun idea is glazing them with a caramel drizzle or layering on a flavored cream cheese frosting—pumpkin spice in fall is a winner! You can even shape them into a wreath for holiday brunches, adding a festive touch with sprigs of fresh herbs or edible flowers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay delicious for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is fine but just be aware that they might dry out a bit. Wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a container helps lock in moisture.

Freezing

Freezing is a brilliant option to enjoy cinnamon rolls any time. I freeze them after the second rise but before baking, wrapped well in plastic and foil. When I want to eat them, I thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake fresh. I’ve also frozen fully baked rolls; just make sure to wrap them tightly and reheat gently.

Reheating

To keep that fresh-baked softness when reheating, I pop rolls in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel for about 15-20 seconds. If you have more time, reheating in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes works even better to regain that just-baked texture. Just be careful not to overheat or they’ll get tough.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast but you’ll need to proof it first in warm milk with a bit of sugar for about 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy. Instant yeast skips this step and can be mixed directly with dry ingredients, making it quicker and easier for this recipe.
How do I make sure my cinnamon rolls come out soft and fluffy?

The key is proper kneading and allowing the dough to rise fully twice. Don’t rush the rising times and be gentle when rolling and slicing. Also, using whole milk and room temperature ingredients helps create a tender dough.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Definitely! After the first rise, you can punch down the dough, wrap it well, and refrigerate overnight. The slow cold rise actually develops flavor. Just let the dough come to room temperature before rolling out and proceeding.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover cinnamon rolls?

For best results, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep them soft and moist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substituting with a good gluten-free baking flour blend can work. The texture might be slightly different—usually a bit denser—but it still comes out delicious. I recommend adding a binder like xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include one.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen heart. It’s the one I reach for whenever I want to impress without stressing. The aroma, the soft layers, and the cream cheese icing make it feel like a hug in pastry form. I hope you have as much joy baking and eating these as I do—so go ahead, grab your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this warm, homemade delight!