Soft, buttery, and filled with cinnamon sugar, these easy homemade cinnamon rolls are a delicious way to start the morning. Made with simple pantry ingredients and topped with an optional vanilla glaze, this recipe brings the comforting flavor of freshly baked cinnamon buns right to your kitchen.
Perfect for a weekend breakfast, holiday brunch, or a cozy morning at home, these simple homemade cinnamon rolls are easier to make than you might think!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Cinnamon Rolls
There’s something special about the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. This homemade recipe uses a handful of familiar ingredients and straightforward steps to create soft, golden rolls with a sweet cinnamon filling.
Here’s what makes this recipe a favorite:
- Simple ingredients: Made with flour, milk, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a few baking essentials.
- Homemade goodness: Enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls without relying on store-bought dough.
- Flexible flour options: Use unbleached all-purpose flour or spelt flour.
- Optional vanilla glaze: Add a little extra sweetness with a simple three-ingredient glaze.
Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
For the Dough
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon cane sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3 cups unbleached spelt or all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/3 cup cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the Optional Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons milk
How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Heat the milk and 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over low heat until the mixture reaches approximately 110°F. Do not boil.
Pour into a large mixing bowl and allow to cool until comfortably warm. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let sit for 10 minutes. Whisk in the cane sugar and sea salt.
Step 2: Knead and Let the Dough Rise
Add the flour one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon. Once the dough becomes too thick to stir, transfer it to a lightly floured surface or knead directly in the bowl.
Add small amounts of flour as needed until the dough forms a smooth ball.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm location for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
While the dough rises, melt the butter for the filling and grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately ¼ inch thick or thinner.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
Spread the melted butter evenly across the dough using a spatula. Sprinkle the cane sugar over the butter, followed by the cinnamon, distributing the filling evenly.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Starting at the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Position it seam-side down and use a serrated knife to cut into rolls approximately 1½ to 2 inches thick.
Arrange the cinnamon rolls in your prepared baking pan. Allow them to rest on top of the stove while the oven preheats to 350°F.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake the cinnamon rolls for approximately 30 minutes, or until lightly golden brown on top.
Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 7: Add the Optional Vanilla Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Adjust the milk slightly to reach your desired consistency, then drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Tips for Making Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Check the temperature of your milk. Warm milk helps activate the yeast, but milk that’s too hot can damage it. Aim for approximately 110°F.
Give your dough time to rise. For soft cinnamon rolls, allow the dough to double in size before rolling it out. A warm, draft-free location works best.
Don’t add too much flour. Add only enough flour during kneading to make the dough manageable. Too much flour can result in dense, dry cinnamon rolls.
Spread the filling evenly. Distributing the cinnamon sugar across the entire rectangle helps ensure every roll has plenty of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Can I Make Cinnamon Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! Homemade cinnamon rolls can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient option for holiday mornings and weekend brunches. For overnight preparation, assemble the rolls in your baking pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate before the final rise. The following morning, allow them to warm and become visibly puffy before baking. Because this recipe uses yeast, rising times may vary.
How Long Can Cinnamon Rolls Sit Out?
Plain homemade cinnamon rolls can generally be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them covered to prevent drying out. If your cinnamon rolls contain a cream cheese frosting or another perishable topping, refrigerate them promptly.
Do Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Need to Be Refrigerated?
Cinnamon rolls with a basic powdered sugar and milk glaze can typically be stored at room temperature for a short period. For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container.
How Do You Store Baked Cinnamon Rolls?
Once completely cooled, place the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual rolls in freezer-safe packaging for up to 2 months for best quality.
How Do You Reheat Cinnamon Rolls With Icing?
To reheat an individual cinnamon roll, place it on a microwave-safe plate and warm in 10-second intervals until heated through. If the roll already has icing, use short intervals to prevent the glaze from overheating or becoming too runny. For rolls without icing, you can also warm them in a 300°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until heated through.
Keep Cookin’ with Oryana
Ready to make a batch of easy homemade cinnamon rolls? Stop by either Oryana Community Co-op location in Traverse City to pick up flour, cinnamon, butter, and everything else you need for a cozy morning of baking.
Looking for more kitchen inspiration? Sign up for Oryana’s newsletter for seasonal recipes, local food stories, and fresh ideas, or explore our upcoming cooking classes and events.
