• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Crunchy Creamy Sweet

Easy Recipes for Busy Parents

  • All Recipes
  • Air Fryer
  • Asian
  • Dinner
  • Instant Pot
  • Dessert
  • About Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About Me
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Breakfast / Easy Cinnamon Rolls

    Easy Cinnamon Rolls

    Published: Dec 20, 2019 · Modified: Sep 25, 2021 by Anna 6 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Sharing is caring!

    237 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These Easy Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, have the best cinnamon filling and cream cheese frosting. They are very easy to make if you follow my tips! 

    These rolls are perfect for a family breakfast, just like my Perfect Breakfast Casserole and the French Toast Casserole.

    Cinnamon rolls in a glass baking dish.

    Our Christmas day traditions include Christmas jammies, songs, hot chocolate and these Easy Cinnamon Rolls. They are the fluffiest rolls you've ever had! I cover them with thick cream cheese frosting and my kids sometimes even add sprinkles. The rolls stay soft and fluffy for days! Learn my trick to easily cut the dough into perfect rolls. You have to try it!

    Ingredients

    • all-purpose flour
    • yeast
    • milk
    • butter
    • granulated sugar
    • brown sugar
    • large egg
    • salt
    • ground cinnamon

    How to make easy cinnamon rolls from scratch?

    • Step 1: Heat up milk, sugar, salt and butter in a saucepan, just until the butter is melted. The mixture should not be hot!
    step 1 of making cinnamon rolls
    • Step 2: Whisk 1.25 cup of flour and yeast. Add heated up milk and stir in.
    step 2 of making cinnamon rolls
    • Step 3: stir in 1/2 cup of flour at a time and stir well after each addition.
    step 3 of making cinnamon rolls
    • Step 4: Add up to 2.25 cups more of flour, stirring well after each addition.
    step 4 of making cinnamon rolls
    • Step 5: When the dough comes together, place it on lightly floured countertop and knead for 1 minute. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, place in a microwave (see the tip in recipe box) and let rise until double in size.
    • Step 6: Roll out the dough into a rectangle. I used a sheet of parchment paper for guidance.
    step 5 of making cinnamon rolls.
    • Step 7: Make the filling and spread over the dough.
    step 7 of making cinnamon rolls
    • Step 8: Roll up the dough. Make marks with knife for guidance. First, make a mark in the middle of the dough roll. Then divide each half and so on. Try to keep the rolls about 1 to 1.5" wide.
    step 8 of making cinnamon rolls.
    • Step 9: Using dental floss, cut the dough into rolls. Simply slide the floss under the dough and cross both ends over the mark you made with a knife. Pull the ends to cut the dough.
    • Step 10: Place rolls in greased baking dish (13"x9" or two 8" round pans).
    step 9 of making cinnamon rolls
    • Step 11: Let the rolls rise while you preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. When the rolls are puffed up, place in the oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes.
    • Step 12: Make the frosting and spread over still warm rolls.

    The frosting:

    There are two types commonly used for cinnamon rolls: cream cheese frosting and a simple powdered sugar glaze. We love the cream cheese frosting and that's what I used for this recipe. Here is how to make both:

    • cream cheese frosting: Mix softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer. Add milk and vanilla. Beat in powdered sugar until the frosting is thick.
    • glaze: mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 teaspoons of milk until drizzling consistency. Add vanilla if desired. Drizzle over cinnamon rolls. Let cool to set.

    The best cinnamon roll filling:

    The classic way is to brush the dough with melted butter, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. I prefer to mix the butter with sugar and cinnamon and then spread the mixture over the dough.

    How to cut cinnamon rolls?

    The best way that I have found to cut the dough for perfect cinnamon rolls, is to use dental floss. First, mark the rolled-up dough with a knife. First mark should be in the middle of the roll. Then divide each half, and so on. See step 8 photos. Next, slide the floss under the dough and cross the ends of the floss over the mark. Pull until the dough is cut. Repeat to cut the whole dough.

    Storing:

    To prevent the rolls from drying, cover them with plastic wrap. I keep mine on the counter, but you can place them in a fridge. To warm up, place rolls on a plate and heat up in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.

    Can I freeze this dough?

    Yes! After the dough is prepared and risen, wrap it in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw out in the fridge, let it come to room temperature by setting it on your kitchen counter. Then proceed with step 6 of the recipe.

    Cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting on a white plate.

    More baking recipes:

    • Garlic Parmesan Skillet Rolls
    • 7-UP Biscuits (from scratch)
    • Blueberry Muffins
    • Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
    • Bread Pudding

    For more recipes like this one, feel free to browse our Baking Category.

    If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! 😀

    Cinnamon rolls in a glass baking dish.

    Easy Cinnamon Rolls

    Author: Anna
    These Easy Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, have the best cinnamon filling and cream cheese frosting. They are very easy to make if you follow my tips!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 18 mins
    rising time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 38 mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 15 rolls
    Calories 275 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    for the dough:

    • 3 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/3 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature (see tip)
    • 1 large egg beaten

    for the filling:

    • 3 tablespoons butter melted
    • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
    • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

    for the frosting:

    • 4 oz. cream cheese softened to room temperature
    • 2 tablespoons butter softened
    • 2 tablespoons milk divided
    • 1 cup powdered sugar

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium saucepan, heat up milk, sugar, salt and butter in a saucepan, just until the butter is melted. The mixture should not be hot! If it gets too hot, cool it before proceeding.
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk 1 and 1/4 cup of flour and yeast. Add heated up milk and stir until smooth.
    • Add beaten egg and stir well.
    • Stir in 2 to 2 and 1/4 more cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time and stir well after each addition. You can use electric or stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
    • When the dough comes together, place it on a lightly floured countertop and knead for 1 minute. Wash the bowl you made the dough in with warm water. Dry well and oil with olive oil (place 1 tablespoon of oil into the bowl and swirl around.
    • Place dough in an oiled bowl, turn over to make sure it's covered in oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Heat up 1 cup of water in a microwave. When done, quickly place the bowl with dough inside and close the door. Let the dough rise in the microwave until doubled in size. This is a perfect warm and draft-free place for any yeast dough to rise.
    • When done, punch the dough. Place it on a floured surface. Roll out the dough into a rectangle. I used a sheet of parchment paper for guidance.
    • In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread the filling over the dough.
    • Roll up the dough, starting from the longer side. Make marks with a knife for guidance. First, make a mark in the middle of the dough roll. Then divide each half and so on. Try to keep the rolls about 1 to 1.5″ wide.
    • Using dental floss, cut the dough into rolls. Simply slide the floss under the dough and cross both ends over the mark you made with a knife. Pull the ends to cut the dough.
    • Place rolls in a greased baking dish (13″x9″ or two 8″ round pans).
    • Let the rolls rise while you preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. When the rolls are puffed up, place in the oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes.
    • In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer. Add milk and mix. Add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time and mix in well. Spread the frosting over still warm rolls.

    Notes

    1. Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.
    2. If you prefer a glaze over a cream cheese frosting: mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 teaspoons of milk until drizzling consistency. Add vanilla if desired. Drizzle over cinnamon rolls. Let cool to set.
    3. To prevent the rolls from drying, cover them with plastic wrap. I keep mine on the counter, but you can place them in a fridge. To warm up, place rolls on a plate and heat up in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 92mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 386IU | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

    More Breakfast Recipes

    • Easy Chocolate Muffins
    • Baked Chocolate Oatmeal
    • Strawberry Pancakes
    • Delicious Brunch Recipes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Laura Reese says

      December 21, 2019 at 7:46 pm

      5 stars
      Love your amazing cinnamon rolls. Great flavor and easy to follow recipe.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        December 22, 2019 at 6:08 pm

        Thank you, Laura!

        Reply
    2. Katie says

      December 20, 2019 at 8:09 pm

      These look soooo good! The easier the better, can't wait to try them!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        December 20, 2019 at 9:54 pm

        I hope you love them, Katie!

        Reply
    3. Jamielyn says

      December 20, 2019 at 5:49 pm

      5 stars
      These cinnamon rolls are so soft and delicious! A family fave!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        December 20, 2019 at 9:54 pm

        Thank you, Jamielyn!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Crunchy Creamy Sweet Anna

    Hi, I'm Anna! Thank you for stopping by! Here you will find easy and delicious recipes for busy people. My recipes are made with everyday ingredients and all of them are family approved!

    More about me →

    Easy Dinners

    • Quick Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
    • Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
    • Creamy Garlic Chicken
    • Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
    • Creamy Mushroom Garlic Chicken
    • Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole

    Popular Recipes

    • Air Fryer Shrimp
    • Instant Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe
    • Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe
    • Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
    • BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
    • KFC Coleslaw Copycat Recipe

    Featured in

    Logos of publications like yahoo, Parade magazine, MSN.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Crunchy Creamy Sweet All rights reserved.

    © Copyright 2023 - Crunchy Creamy Sweet - Privacy Policy