Cinnamon Roll Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Soft and Fluffy Rolls at Home
Meta Title: Cinnamon Roll Recipe: Perfect Soft & Fluffy Rolls
Meta Description: Learn how to make the best homemade cinnamon roll recipe with soft, fluffy layers and irresistible icing! A perfect breakfast treat or dessert.
Introduction: Why This Cinnamon Roll Recipe is a Must-Try

There’s something truly magical about homemade cinnamon rolls. They fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar as they bake, promising a soft and melt-in-your-mouth treat with every bite. This cinnamon roll recipe is close to my heart, inspired by the ones I used to bake with my grandmother. She always said, “The secret to a perfect cinnamon roll is patience.” I’ll guide you through each step, ensuring your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly soft, fluffy, and delightfully sweet.
What Makes This Cinnamon Roll Recipe Special?
When it comes to baking cinnamon rolls, texture and taste are key. This recipe is designed to give you soft, pillowy rolls with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and yields perfect results every time. Plus, the homemade icing is the crowning glory, turning each bite into pure indulgence!
Ingredients for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to create these heavenly cinnamon rolls:
For the Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Best Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to help your dough rise!
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Sprinkle in the salt and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for making your cinnamon rolls light and airy.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. The larger the rectangle, the more rolls you’ll get, and the fluffier they will be!
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Filling
Spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough. Then, sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the buttered dough. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from one long edge, to form a log.
Step 6: Slice the Cinnamon Rolls
Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into 12-16 rolls, depending on the size you prefer. Arrange them in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring they are close but not touching.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour. During this time, they will expand and become even fluffier.
Step 8: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown on top. The kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Step 9: Make the Icing
While the cinnamon rolls are baking, make the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk for your preferred consistency.
Step 10: Drizzle the Icing
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the icing over the top. Watch as it melts into the warm rolls, making them irresistibly sweet.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Don’t rush the rising times: Let the dough rise fully to get the softest, fluffiest rolls.
Use room temperature ingredients: Softened butter and room temperature eggs will help the dough come together more easily.
Make ahead option: Prepare the rolls the night before, let them rise overnight in the fridge, and bake them fresh in the morning.
Customize the filling: Add chopped nuts, raisins, or even a little cocoa powder to the filling for extra flavor.

Cinnamon Roll Recipe: Soft, Fluffy & Irresistible
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cinnamon roll recipe is perfect for those who crave soft, fluffy rolls packed with cinnamon sugar goodness. Topped with a smooth, sweet icing, these homemade cinnamon rolls will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Follow these easy-to-follow steps to bake a batch of cinnamon rolls that are perfect for any time of the day—whether as a breakfast treat or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves, and sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, add melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour and salt until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:
In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.Roll and Slice:
Roll the dough tightly from one edge to the other, forming a log. Slice the log into 12-16 rolls, depending on your preferred size.Second Rise:
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover with a cloth and let rise for another 30-60 minutes.Bake the Rolls:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.Make the Icing:
While the rolls bake, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla, and milk to create the icing. Adjust the milk for your preferred consistency.Drizzle the Icing:
Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the icing over them.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the rolls for up to 2 months.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and bake them fresh in the morning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Why This Cinnamon Roll Recipe Works
This cinnamon roll recipe is designed for maximum flavor and fluffiness. The combination of milk, eggs, and butter ensures a rich, tender dough, while the cinnamon sugar filling offers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you enjoy them as a weekend breakfast or a special treat, these cinnamon rolls will never disappoint.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Cinnamon Rolls!
Now that you have mastered this cinnamon roll recipe, you’re ready to enjoy soft, fluffy, and flavorful rolls right from your own kitchen. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate indulgence. Don’t forget to share your results with us—tag us on social media, or leave a comment to tell us how your cinnamon rolls turned out!