If you’ve ever dreamed about waking up to the aroma of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls fresh from your own oven, this Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe is your new best friend. I love how it strikes the perfect balance between being straightforward enough for a weekday treat but indulgent enough to impress guests on a lazy weekend. The dough is ultra-soft and fluffy, while the cinnamon filling warms your home and heart with every bite.

What makes this recipe special is not just its unbeatable flavor but also how accessible it is—even if you’ve never worked with yeast before. You’ll find the instructions clear and the results consistently satisfying. Honestly, this Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe has become my go-to for birthdays, Sunday brunches, or any day that needs a little extra comfort. I promise that once you make these, store-bought cinnamon rolls will be a thing of the past!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients is half the battle, and this recipe keeps it simple with staples you likely already have. Each element works to give you that perfect balance of soft dough and sweet, spicy filling—and don’t worry, I’ve included tips to make shopping a breeze.

All-purpose flour: Spoon and level your flour for accurate measurements to keep the dough soft, not dense.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough itself—don’t skip it or the rolls might taste a bit bland.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness, so it’s a small but essential ingredient.
Whole milk: Use whole milk for richness, but you can substitute 2% if that’s what you have on hand.
Unsalted butter: Both melted for the dough and softened for the filling and icing—fresh butter really makes a difference.
Instant yeast: Platinum Yeast from Red Star is my favorite for reliable rise, but any instant yeast will work well here.
Large egg: Make sure it’s at room temperature for the best dough texture.
Brown sugar: Use packed light or dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor in the filling.
Ground cinnamon: Don’t skimp—it’s the star of the filling and the key to that irresistible aroma.
Cream cheese: Full-fat and softened for the icing, which adds the perfect tangy sweetness.
Confectioners’ sugar: For a smooth, creamy icing without graininess.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese icing.

Variations

While this Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe is fantastic as is, I love making little tweaks to keep it fresh and fun. You should definitely feel free to play with flavors or make it suit your dietary needs.

Nutty twist: Sometimes I sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling for an added crunch and nutty richness.
Fruit-filled: Adding raisins or dried cranberries is a subtle sweet surprise that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Vegan version: Swap milk for almond or oat milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter. Just make sure the yeast is vegan too!
Spiced up: Mix a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon filling for a warm, slightly exotic flavor twist.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your milk—it should be warm but not hot (think baby bathwater temperature, about 110°F). Combine the milk, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s frothy. This means your yeast is alive and kicking! While that’s proofing, melt your butter and let it cool slightly. Then add the butter, egg, salt, and most of your flour to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine, then slowly add the rest of the flour as you knead. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but still manageable—add flour sparingly so you don’t end up with tough rolls.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. I usually warm my oven for a minute, then turn it off and rest the covered dough nearby—this creates the perfect cozy environment. Patience here really pays off because a good rise means fluffy rolls!

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle around 12×16 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture generously on top. This is my favorite part—be generous with the filling because that gooey cinnamon-sugar goodness is what makes these rolls irresistible!

Step 4: Shape and Let Rise Again

Starting on the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the seam to seal. Slice into 9 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss (yep, floss works amazingly clean!). Place the rolls into a greased pan, leaving a little space between them. Cover again and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy. This second rise helps ensure that soft, tender crumb you’re craving.

Step 5: Bake and Ice

Bake your cinnamon rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown—not too dark, as they can dry out. While they bake, whip up the cream cheese icing by blending softened cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. When the rolls are fresh from the oven and still warm, spread the icing generously across the top so it melts into every crack and crevice. Trust me, your patience at this stage will be rewarded big time!

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe

Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I keep it simple with the icing, but sometimes I sprinkle a few chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of extra cinnamon on top if I’m serving guests. Freshly grated orange zest can brighten things up too—try it for a subtle citrus twist that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

Side Dishes

Pairing these with a cup of strong coffee or tea is my go-to, but they also work wonderfully alongside a fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs if you want to make breakfast a full meal. For a special occasion, consider serving them with a glass of cold milk or a hot chai latte for a cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I baked these in a bundt pan for a cinnamon roll “cake”—it made for a stunning centerpiece and was a huge hit at brunch! You can also arrange them in mini muffin tins to make individual rolls that are perfect for parties or kid-friendly portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them soft, wrapping them individually in plastic wrap before storing works wonders. Just keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to prevent the cream cheese icing from melting too much.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, I wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before popping them into a freezer bag. They keep well for up to three months. When I want a warm treat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge or unwrap and heat from frozen—super convenient for busy mornings.

Reheating

I reheat by placing a cinnamon roll on a microwave-safe plate covered with a damp paper towel; just 20-30 seconds in the microwave keeps them soft and melty. Alternatively, warming them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes restores that fresh-from-the-oven texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise once, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, roll it out and proceed with filling, shaping, and baking. Just allow extra time for the second rise before baking since cold dough will take longer to puff up.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can substitute active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it in warm water with sugar for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the dough. The rise may take a bit longer, so expect a longer first proofing time.
How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done baking?

Look for a golden brown top and edges that slightly pull away from the pan. They should feel soft but springy when gently pressed. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
Can I skip the cream cheese icing?

You can, but the cream cheese icing adds a lovely tanginess that balances the sweetness and richness of the rolls. If you prefer, a simple powdered sugar glaze or even a drizzle of honey works well too.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! I designed this Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe with both beginners and experienced bakers in mind. The step-by-step instructions and tips should help you feel confident even if this is your first time working with yeast dough.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the ultimate comfort food made simple enough for any day. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these soft, fragrant rolls as much as I do. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and fill your home with that sweet cinnamon magic—you’ll be glad you did!