Classic Cinnamon Rolls (Soft & Gooey)
These homemade cinnamon rolls are pillowy soft with tender layers of buttery cinnamon sugar in every bite. Baked until golden and topped with a smooth glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ultra-soft, fluffy dough
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Rich cinnamon sugar filling
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Easy, reliable method
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Perfect for make-ahead or freezing
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Bakery-quality results at home
Ingredients
Dough
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3½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
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¼ cup (50 g) granulated 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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1 large egg
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¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
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
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, egg, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Roll dough into a rectangle (about 30 × 40 cm). Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top.
Roll tightly from the long side and cut into 10–12 rolls.
Place rolls in a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Second Rise
Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden.
Make the Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle glaze over warm cinnamon rolls so it melts into the layers.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
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Don’t over-flour the dough—keep it soft
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Use room-temperature butter for filling
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Glaze while warm for best texture
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For extra gooey rolls, slightly underbake
Variations
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Cream Cheese Frosting instead of glaze
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Overnight Cinnamon Rolls (refrigerate before second rise)
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Nutty Rolls: add chopped pecans or walnuts
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Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: add chocolate chips
Storage & Freezing
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Store covered at room temperature for 2 days
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Refrigerate up to 4 days
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Freeze baked rolls (unglazed) for up to 2 months
Final Thoughts
These classic cinnamon rolls are soft, comforting, and irresistibly delicious. Whether for a weekend bake or special occasion, they’re guaranteed to impress.