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Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Cinnamon Rolls

This Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings warm, gooey swirls of cinnamon straight to your kitchen—perfect for a cozy breakfast or an irresistible dessert treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 rolls

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting (King Arthur Flour preferred)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (or instant yeast, see Notes)
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F), whole or 2%
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled (Kerrygold for richness)
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp whole milk Greek yogurt (optional, adds tenderness)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon (freshly ground if possible)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk warm milk with 1 tsp sugar, then sprinkle yeast on top. Wait 5–7 minutes until foamy—if nothing happens, start over with fresh yeast.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or in a large mixing bowl), combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, egg, yogurt and the yeast mixture. Mix on low until a shaggy dough forms, then bump up to medium for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Lightly oil a bowl, transfer the dough, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size—think of it like a spa day for your dough.
  • Punch down the dough, transfer to a lightly floured surface, and roll into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon all over, leaving a ½-inch border.
  • Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed, then cut into 12–15 equal slices with a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, floss works like a charm!).
  • Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, leaving a bit of space between each. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 30–45 minutes until they look puffy. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Slide the pan into the center rack and bake 20–25 minutes, until tops are golden and centers bounce back when gently pressed. Avoid overbaking—they should be soft and tender.
  • Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over hot rolls so it melts into all those nooks and crannies. Serve immediately, or let cool a bit for a firmer frosting.

Notes

For extra fluff, try a 10-minute autolyse: mix flour and water (minus yeast), rest, then add remaining ingredients.
Keyword Cinnamon Rolls, Dessert Treat, Homemade Baked Goods, Sweet Breakfast
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