Name: Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 105 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 130 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup whole milk (warmed); ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted); 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup brown sugar (packed for filling); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened for filling); 4 oz cream cheese (for frosting); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened for frosting); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting); ¾ cup powdered sugar (for frosting)

When the smell of freshly baked Easy Cinnamon Rolls wafts through your home, it’s like being wrapped in a warm, sweet blanket of joy. The soft, pillowy rolls are swirled with a rich blend of cinnamon and brown sugar that brings back fond memories of baking with family on chilly Sunday mornings and stealing bites when no one was looking.

Picture this: it’s a lazy weekend morning, and you can still taste the buttery swirl melting on your tongue while that dreamy cream cheese frosting drips delightfully over the warm rolls. Whether it’s brunch with friends, a cozy holiday breakfast, or simply treating yourself because you deserve it, these Easy Cinnamon Rolls will turn any occasion into a delicious celebration.

Why You'll Love This Easy Cinnamon Rolls

This incredible Easy Cinnamon Rolls transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Ingredients for Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Easy Cinnamon Rolls:

¾ cup whole milk – Warm but not hot, it helps activate the yeast for fluffy rolls.

¼ cup unsalted butter (melted) – Adds richness to the dough; make sure to melt it gently.

2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast – The magic ingredient that makes your rolls rise.

2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Helps sweeten the dough and feeds the yeast for a perfect rise.

1 large egg – Adds tenderness and richness to your rolls.

2½ cups all-purpose flour – Forms the dough structure; you may need a bit more or less while kneading.

½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors in the dough.

½ cup brown sugar (packed) – Creates a sweet, gooey filling that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – The star of the show, bringing warmth and a heavenly aroma.

¼ cup unsalted butter (softened) – To spread over the dough for a gooey filling.

4 oz cream cheese – Provides a decadent frosting that complements the cinnamon rolls perfectly.

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened) – For the frosting; it helps create a smooth texture.

½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely sweetness and depth to the frosting.

¾ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting to balanced perfection.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Easy Cinnamon Rolls:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small saucepan, gently warm the whole milk and melted butter until the butter is melted and the mixture is lukewarm, not hot. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk mixture, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbly, which means the yeast is alive and doing its magic.

Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add in the large egg, all-purpose flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. With your trusty stand mixer or your hands, mix until combined, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about five minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While waiting for the dough to rise, mix together the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter in a medium bowl until it’s a thick, spreadable paste. This filling is what will make your rolls incredibly decadent.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 9×14 inches in size. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 5: Roll and Cut
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut this log into 9 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise a second time for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake and Frost
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 22-25 minutes until they are golden brown. While they bake, make the frosting by beating together the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth. Once the rolls are baked, spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls and enjoy this delightful treat!

Serve these Easy Cinnamon Rolls fresh and warm, and watch as friends and family gather around, filling the room with laughter and joy. Nothing quite beats homemade goodies that make everyone feel at home, especially when they taste this good!

You Must Know About Easy Cinnamon Rolls This showstopping Easy Cinnamon Rolls delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Easy Cinnamon Rolls Cooking Process

To get those delightful rolls just right, start by warming your milk and butter. Activate the yeast next, and while it froths, blend the other ingredients. Once combined, roll out the dough, fill, bake, and finally frost for perfection.

Add Your Touch to Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Feel free to swap the brown sugar for maple syrup for a unique flavor or add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the filling. A sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla can elevate your Easy Cinnamon Rolls even further!

Storing & Reheating Easy Cinnamon Rolls

To maintain freshness, store your rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in an oven for that warm, gooey goodness.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Easy Cinnamon Rolls

This professional-quality Easy Cinnamon Rolls relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Last summer, I whipped up a batch for a brunch with friends, and the delightful aroma filled the house. Everyone couldn’t stop complimenting my Easy Cinnamon Rolls, and one friend even said they’d pay for the recipe!

FAQs About Easy Cinnamon Rolls

What is Easy Cinnamon Rolls?

Easy Cinnamon Rolls are delightful pastries made from a soft, fluffy dough filled with a sweet cinnamon and sugar mixture. The rolls are baked until golden and often topped with a creamy frosting, making them an irresistible treat. Perfect for breakfast or any occasion, these rolls are loved for their comforting flavor and warm, gooey texture. The best part is that they can be made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

How long do Easy Cinnamon Rolls take to make?

The total time for making Easy Cinnamon Rolls is about 2 hours and 10 minutes. This includes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes for prep and rising the dough, plus about 25 minutes for baking. While the active cooking time might be relatively short, the rising time is essential for achieving that light, fluffy texture we’re after. Patience is key to baking these delicious rolls!

Can I make Easy Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can certainly make Easy Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time! Prepare the rolls and let them rise as directed. Once shaped, you can cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise again before baking. This method not only saves time but also allows the flavors to develop for an even tastier roll.

What toppings go best with Easy Cinnamon Rolls?

Easy Cinnamon Rolls can be elevated with various toppings to suit your taste. The classic cream cheese frosting is always a favorite, but you can also sprinkle powdered sugar for a simpler option. Adding crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or even fresh fruit can create unique flavor combinations. Experimenting with different toppings can make your cinnamon rolls even more delightful and personalized!

Conclusion for Easy Cinnamon Rolls

In conclusion, Easy Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious and approachable treat that can brighten any meal. With just a few basic ingredients and some time, you can create fluffy, sweet rolls that are perfect for any occasion. Remember, the key to success lies in your patience during the rising process and creativity with toppings. So grab your apron and start baking these easy cinnamon rolls today!