Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

As the chill of autumn and winter rolls in, there’s one treat that warms my heart like no other – Cinnamon Rolls. They’re a cozy dessert that screams comfort, and when you make them at home, they’re nothing short of spectacular.

Now, if you’ve never had the pleasure of biting into a cinnamon roll, you’re in for a treat. This Cinnamon Rolls step-by-step recipe is perfect for beginners, it’s straightforward, easy, and, most importantly, loads of fun!

These homemade Cinnamon Rolls aren’t just your regular dessert; they’re the ultimate breakfast treat, turning those lazy weekend mornings into unforgettable memories that will last forever! 

What do these cinnamon rolls taste like?

These cinnamon rolls are a taste of pure bliss. They are super soft and fluffy, with an almost melt-in-your-mouth kind of texture. With layers of sweet, spicy cinnamon goodness, every bite is an irresistible explosion of flavor.

As you savor these rolls, you’ll discover a cozy, homemade flavor that feels like a lazy Sunday morning. And when you reach that cream cheese frosting, OMG! This is not just a dessert; it’s a treat that’s meant to make you smile and feel good inside.

But, here’s the thing—these cinnamon rolls aren’t overwhelmingly sweet. They strike that perfect balance, satisfying your sweet tooth without going overboard.

Why should you make this recipe?

• This recipe is an absolute winner because it delivers spectacular results without making you break a sweat. It’s a simple, step-by-step process that anyone can master, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie.
• Treat yourself! Sometimes, you just need to pamper yourself with a sweet, homemade indulgence. These cinnamon rolls are the ultimate self-care treat, perfect for adding a special touch to a weekend breakfast or brunch!
• Did I mention that these rolls have a melt-in-your-mouth quality? They’re so soft and tender that each bite is a delight that lingers on your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

Milk – Milk forms the liquid base of the dough, contributing to its softness and tenderness. If desired, you can sub the milk for a non-dairy alternative or for low-fat milk or buttermilk using the same quantities.  

Instant Yeast – For this recipe, I used instant yeast, but you can opt for regular dry yeast as well. I would recommend sticking with the instant version since it doesn’t need to be rehydrated or proofed before it’s added to the other ingredients.

Sugar – A touch of sugar sweetens the dough, enhancing its flavor and aiding in yeast activation.

Egg plus Egg Yolk: Eggs provide moisture and richness to the dough, creating a tender and flavorful base. 

Butter – Butter lends its creamy richness to the dough, enhancing its flavor and texture.

Flour – Flour provides structure and forms the dough’s base. All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. 

Salt – A pinch of salt enhances the overall taste of the dough.

For the Filling:

Brown Sugar – Brown sugar brings a warm, caramel-like sweetness to the filling. Do not replace it with regular sugar, as the cinnamon rolls won’t have that amazing depth of flavor given by the brown sugar.

Ground Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon is the star of the show, infusing the filling with its aromatic, warm, and earthy flavor.

Butter – Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before using it, as you will have to spread it over the dough. It shouldn’t be too runny, nor too hard, as it won’t set well onto the dough. 

For the Frosting:

Cream Cheese – Cream cheese forms the luscious, tangy base of the frosting. For a lower-calorie version, you can also use low-fat cream cheese. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before making the frosting. 

Butter – Butter, alongside cream cheese, adds creaminess to the frosting, making it smooth and delightful. The butter must be brought to room temperature before making the frosting.

Powdered Sugar – Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting, giving it a beautiful, velvety texture.

Vanilla Extract – A touch of vanilla extract adds a hint of warm, fragrant sweetness, that enhances the flavor of the frosting.

Tips for recipe success

• Before you start, read the entire recipe from start to finish. This will give you a clear understanding of the steps and help you avoid surprises along the way.
• Prep all your ingredients before you start baking. Don’t forget to bring your butter and cream cheese to room temperature in advance! Using room temperature eggs is also highly recommended.
• Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled in size. This step is essential for the rolls’ fluffiness.
• Use a sharp knife or dental floss for cutting the rolls. This prevents smashing and squishing the rolls as you slice them.
• Apply the cream cheese frosting while the rolls are still warm. This allows the frosting to melt slightly and cover the rolls evenly.