Soft Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Few baked goods rival the comfort of a warm cinnamon roll fresh from the oven. The aroma of butter, cinnamon, and sweet dough filling the kitchen is unmistakable. This recipe focuses on creating exceptionally soft rolls with delicate layers and a rich, balanced filling. Finished with a smooth cream glaze, these cinnamon rolls are tender, fragrant, and deeply satisfying—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special homemade treat.
Ingredients List
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Dough
Add the egg, egg yolk, softened butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.
4. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together. This simple combination creates the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
6. Roll the Dough
Roll the risen dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread softened butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously.
7. Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into even pieces, about 1½ inches thick.
8. Second Rise
Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover and allow them to rise for 30–40 minutes.
9. Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
10. Prepare the Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
11. Finish the Rolls
Spread the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls so it melts slightly into the layers.
Cook Time
Total: 2 hours
Prep: 25 minutes
Bake: 25 minutes
Servings
Makes approximately 12 cinnamon rolls
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: ~210 mg
Storage Instructions
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving to restore their soft texture. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Suggestions
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Replace part of the milk with cream for richer dough.
- Orange zest in the glaze creates a subtle citrus note.
- Serve warm with coffee or tea for a bakery-style experience.
Seasonal Relevance
Cinnamon rolls are particularly loved during autumn and winter, when warm spices feel comforting and inviting. They’re also popular for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, and special gatherings.
Conclusion
Soft cinnamon rolls are a timeless bakery favorite that never fails to impress. With their tender layers, rich cinnamon filling, and smooth glaze, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or simply yourself, this recipe creates rolls that are beautifully soft, flavorful, and memorable.
Soft Cinnamon Roll Recipe
12
servings25
minutes25
minutes320
kcalThese soft cinnamon rolls are fluffy, buttery, and filled with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl. Baked until golden and finished with a smooth cream glaze, they make the perfect comforting treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm milk
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add egg, egg yolk, butter, and salt. Gradually mix in flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
- Roll dough into a rectangle, spread butter, and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Roll tightly into a log and slice into even rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
- Spread glaze over warm rolls and serve.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Do not overheat the milk or it may affect the yeast.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before glazing for the best texture.
- Add chopped nuts or raisins for variation.
- These rolls taste best warm and freshly baked.
FAQs
Why did my cinnamon rolls turn out dense?
This usually happens if the dough didn’t rise long enough or too much flour was added.
Can I prepare cinnamon rolls the night before?
Yes. After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight, then allow them to come to room temperature before baking.
What is the secret to soft cinnamon rolls?
Using warm milk, proper kneading, and allowing enough rising time ensures soft and fluffy results.
