Cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that brings warmth to any kitchen and comfort to any soul. When I first tried my hand at making them, the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the house had me hooked. There’s something incredibly special about rolling out soft dough and watching it rise, transforming into golden, fluffy rolls. Whether it’s a holiday morning or a cozy family brunch, cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food that can uplift any occasion.

Why you’ll love this dish

These cinnamon rolls are not just any baked good; they are a labor of love that yields scrumptious results. You’ll love how they’re quick to make—even if the dough needs time to rise—and incredibly budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples, you can whip up a batch that is kid-approved and eagerly devoured by all. They don’t just taste fantastic; these rolls look stunning when glazed and fresh out of the oven. Imagine serving these at Sunday brunch or holiday gatherings, where everyone is fighting for the last one!

“The cinnamon rolls came out perfectly fluffy and sweet! They were a huge hit at my brunch and disappeared in no time!” – Happy Home Baker

How this recipe comes together

Making cinnamon rolls involves a series of satisfying steps that might sound complex but are truly straightforward. You start by making a soft, buttery dough that’s infused with the warmth of cinnamon and sugar. After giving it some time to rise, you’ll roll it out, spread it with more butter, sprinkle on the sugary cinnamon mixture, roll it into a log, and slice it into generous portions. A final rise allows the rolls to puff up beautifully, followed by a bake until golden brown. And let’s be honest: the best part is slathering them with creamy icing right before devouring.

What you’ll need

Gather these items to create the best cinnamon rolls:

• 2 1⁄4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1⁄3 cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
• 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar
• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for icing)
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (for adjusting icing consistency)

You can substitute unsweetened applesauce for eggs or use dairy-free alternatives for butter and milk to tweak the rolls to specific dietary needs.