Indulge in the warm, irresistible aroma of homemade cinnamon rolls with this simple, reliable recipe. These soft, gooey rolls are ideal for holiday mornings, brunches, or a cozy weekend treat.
These cinnamon rolls are rich and comforting without the preservatives found in store-bought canned versions. The key is a tender, slightly sweet yeast dough and a buttery cinnamon filling. Finish them with a simple, creamy icing for the perfect bite.
Table of Contents
- Fluffy cinnamon rolls
- Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Ingredients for homemade cinnamon rolls
- How to make homemade cinnamon rolls
- How to serve homemade cinnamon rolls
- Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More breakfast recipes
- Latest Recipes
Fluffy cinnamon rolls
Making perfect cinnamon rolls at home is straightforward and rewarding. A soft yeast roll dough—rich with butter and lightly sweetened—creates a tender crumb. After mixing and rolling, the filling and icing turn them into the classic, sticky buns we love.
This recipe uses a chilled dough, which makes handling and slicing much easier. I recommend preparing the dough the day before and finishing the rolls the next morning; the overnight chill firms the dough and reduces the need for extra flour when rolling.
For the icing, a combination of sweetened condensed milk and powdered sugar yields a creamy, slightly caramelized glaze that complements the buttery dough. If you prefer, substitute a cream cheese icing or use milk or cream in place of condensed milk.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 Zestuous Yeast Roll Dough
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tbls cinnamon
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
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Prep: Prepare the Zestuous Yeast Roll Dough according to its directions. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least six hours or overnight; chilled dough is much easier to work with.
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Roll: Remove the chilled dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
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Cut: Slice the rectangle in half lengthwise so you have two long strips of dough.
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Mix: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. Evenly sprinkle this filling over each strip of dough.
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Roll: Starting from the long edge, roll each strip tightly into a cylinder. If the dough sticks, loosen it with a pastry scraper and dust lightly with flour. Moisten the far edge with a little water to seal.
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Slice: Trim the ends of each roll and cut the cylinders into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on a silpat- or parchment-lined baking pan and cover. Let them rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
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Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the risen rolls for about 15 minutes, until golden brown.
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Icing: Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and powdered sugar until smooth. Spoon or drizzle the icing over the warm rolls. Lift the rolls from the pan with a spatula and serve on a platter.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Ingredients for homemade cinnamon rolls
- Zestuous yeast roll dough: A soft, slightly sweet yeast dough made with active dry yeast, flour, sugar, salt, warm milk, eggs, vanilla, and butter. Use your favorite roll or cinnamon roll dough if preferred.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, molasses-like flavor; dark or light brown sugar works.
- Granulated white sugar: Balances sweetness and helps the filling caramelize.
- Chopped pecans: Provide crunch and a toasty, nutty contrast. Substitute walnuts or other nuts if preferred.
- Cinnamon: The primary spice that gives cinnamon rolls their signature warmth and aroma.
Icing Ingredients
- Sweetened condensed milk: Makes a rich, creamy glaze; can be replaced with heavy cream or whole milk if needed.
- Powdered sugar: For thickening and sweetness in the glaze.
Substitutions: Swap nuts, use cream cheese icing instead of condensed-milk glaze, or substitute milk/cream for sweetened condensed milk if desired.
See the recipe card above for serving size and the full ingredient list.
How to make homemade cinnamon rolls
- Prep: Make the yeast roll dough and chill it for at least six hours or overnight.
- Roll: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut: Cut the rectangle in half lengthwise.
✔️ PRO TIP
Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll and slice cleanly.
- Mix: Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, pecans, and cinnamon. Sprinkle the filling evenly over both dough halves.
- Roll: Roll each dough strip from the long edge into a tight cylinder. Use a pastry scraper to loosen sticking dough and a light dusting of flour if necessary. Seal the edge with a little water.
✔️ PRO TIP
Line your baking sheet with silpat, parchment, or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Slice: Trim the ends and cut each roll into 1/2-inch rounds. Arrange rounds on the prepared pan.
- Proof: Cover and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Icing: Mix sweetened condensed milk and powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and transfer to a serving platter.
How to serve homemade cinnamon rolls
Serve these gooey rolls warm, alone or as part of a brunch spread with eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. They also pair nicely with coffee, milk, or juice for a lighter option.
Storage
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Assemble the rolls, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw to room temperature, allow them to rise for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
Yes. After assembling, cover the pan and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Before baking, let them come to room temperature and rise for at least 30 minutes.
Yes. Prepare and chill the rolls in the pan overnight, then let them rise and bake the next morning.
Place a roll on a plate and microwave briefly (about 10–20 seconds) until warmed through. Adjust time as needed for your microwave.
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