Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Ever (Soft, Fluffy & Gooey)
If you want the ultimate cinnamon rolls—soft, fluffy, and overflowing with sweet cinnamon sugar—this recipe is for you. These rolls are perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or special occasions, and the aroma alone will make your kitchen irresistible.
Unlike many quick-fix versions, these homemade cinnamon rolls are rich, tender, and topped with a decadent glaze that melts perfectly into each swirl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Soft, pillowy dough with the perfect rise
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Sweet, gooey cinnamon filling in every bite
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Rich glaze that melts into the rolls
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Can be made ahead or frozen
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Ideal for family gatherings or brunch
Ingredients
Dough
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3½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
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¼ cup (50 g) sugar
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2¼ tsp (7 g) instant yeast
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1 tsp salt
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¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
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¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
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1 large egg
Cinnamon Filling
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½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
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2 tbsp ground cinnamon
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¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp milk or cream
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
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In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
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Add warm milk, egg, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
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Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Cover the dough and let it rise for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
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Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
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Set aside the softened butter for spreading.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
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Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 30×40 cm (12×16 in).
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Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
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Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
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Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a log.
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Cut into 10–12 rolls.
Step 4: Second Rise
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Place rolls in a greased baking dish.
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Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 5: Bake
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Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
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Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
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Drizzle over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
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Use room-temperature ingredients for better dough rise
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Don’t over-flour the dough to keep rolls soft
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For extra gooey rolls, slightly underbake
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Glaze while warm for best results
Variations
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Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace glaze with cream cheese frosting
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Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts
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Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add finely diced apples to the filling
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Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle chocolate chips in the filling
Storage & Freezing
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Store at room temperature for 2 days
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Refrigerate for up to 4 days
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Freeze unbaked rolls in the dish for up to 2 months; thaw, rise, and bake when ready
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm for breakfast or brunch
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Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
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Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist
Final Thoughts
These Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Ever are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly gooey. Perfect for cozy mornings or special occasions, they combine sweet cinnamon, buttery dough, and a melt-in-your-mouth glaze that will make them a family favorite.