Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
There’s nothing quite like the moment you bite into a warm, freshly baked cinnamon roll. These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and melt in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of light, airy dough and sweet, buttery cinnamon filling. Every bite is like a warm hug, with layers that effortlessly pull apart to reveal swirls of cinnamon-sugar goodness. If you’ve ever wanted to make cinnamon rolls from scratch, this is the recipe for you—it’s straightforward, forgiving, and guaranteed to delight.
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This recipe is inspired by fond memories of baking with my grandmother. While I never had her exact recipe, I’ve lovingly recreated the method and flavors I remember from those cherished times in her kitchen. Over the years, these cinnamon rolls have become a staple in my home because they’re easy to make and always turn out perfectly. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable for everyone.
What Makes These Cinnamon Rolls Easy?
The dough is simple to prepare and easy to work with. While a stand mixer with a paddle attachment makes the process even quicker, you can also knead the dough by hand. After just one hour of rising, you’ll roll out the dough, add the buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, and shape it into a log. Cutting the log into 12 rolls is a breeze, and once arranged in a 9×13 pan, they rise for another 30 minutes before baking to golden perfection.
The icing comes together in minutes, providing the finishing touch to these irresistible rolls. From start to finish, the steps are straightforward, and the results are nothing short of bakery-quality.
Dripping into each nook and cranny! The creamy, velvety texture perfectly complements the spiciness of the cinnamon. It’s the icing on the cake, so to speak, and one that leaves you yearning for that next delicious bite. While the classic cinnamon roll is a masterpiece in its own right, it’s also a blank canvas waiting for various additions. Nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of caramel can elevate this already yummy delight! Enjoy my Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls!
Ingredients You Will Need
For The Dough:
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup white sugar
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup melted shortening
For The Filling
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
For The Icing
2 cups powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. softened butter
3-6 Tablespoons milk
That’s all you need to whip up a batch of easy homemade cinnamon rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, sugar, flour, milk, egg, salt, and melted shortening. Mix until the dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll and Fill:
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the melted butter evenly over the surface. Mix the sugars and cinnamon together, then sprinkle the mixture generously over the butter.
- Shape the Rolls:
- Roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 even pieces and arrange them in a greased 9×13 pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Icing:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, softened butter, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve:
- Spread the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls, letting it melt into the swirls. Serve and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Rolls
- Easy to Make: The dough is straightforward and forgiving, making it perfect for beginners.
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of buttery dough, sweet filling, and creamy icing is irresistible.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Once you try these Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll never reach for the store-bought ones again. Perfectly soft, sweet, and indulgent, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home too.
Happy baking! 🍴
Turn Your Cinnamon Rolls into a Holiday Masterpiece
Transform your holiday baking into a festive spectacle with a delightful Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree! It’s easy to create and will wow your family and guests.
- How to Make It: Arrange the unbaked cinnamon rolls on a sheet pan in the shape of a tree. Start with one roll at the top, then increase the number of rolls in each row as you move downward to create the tiers of the tree. Use two rolls at the bottom for the trunk.
- After Baking: Once baked and slightly cooled, glaze the tree with the icing, letting it drizzle beautifully over the edges.
- Decorate: Let your creativity shine by adding colorful sprinkles, festive edible ornaments, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
This Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree isn’t just a delicious treat—it’s also a stunning centerpiece that will bring a touch of holiday magic to your celebrations. It’s a fun, festive way to make your cinnamon rolls extra special during the holiday season.
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Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
for the dough
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water about 110℉
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup shortening melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 3/4 cup all-purpose flour plus, a sprinkle for rolling out
- 2 Tbsp salted butter melted, used for bottom of your 9 x 13
for the filling
- 1/2 cup salted butter melted
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp cinnamon
for the icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp salted butter softened
- 3 Tbsp whole milk or you can substitute 1/2 & 1/2 or cream
Instructions
- In the bowl of your stand mixer with the dough hook attachment dissolve yeast in warm water.
- In a small bowl whisk together milk, melted shortening, sugar, egg and salt. Pour over yeast mixture. Add flour. Turn your mixer on low speed and mix until it combines. Turn mixer to medium speed and knead for 5-6 minutes.
- Remove from bowl and form into a ball, Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Place dough in a warm spot and let rise 1 -1 1/2 hours or until dough is doubled in size. The time will depend on the warmth of your kitchen.
- While your dough is rising in a small bowl mix the 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar and 2 Tbsp of cinnamon for the filling.
- When the dough has doubled in size, place on a lightly (this won't take much flour, this dough is extremely easy to work with) floured surface and punch down. Roll dough into a 15 x 10 rectangle.
- Melt 1/2 cup butter and spread all over the dough and sprinkle sugar & cinnamon mixture on top.
- Beginning at 15 inch side of dough roll into a log. Pinch bottom seam together.
- Melt 2 Tbsp butter and pour in bottom of a 9 x13 baking dish. Cut into 12 slices and place in your baking dish.
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm spot until cinnamon rolls are doubled in size. About 45 minutes.
- Bake in 350℉ oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, beat together 4 Tbsp. softened butter, 2 cups powdered sugar and the milk 1 Tbsp at time until you reach your desired consistency. Spread over slightly warm rolls.