Best Ever Yeast Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Discover the best yeast cinnamon rolls recipe! These soft and fluffy rolls are filled with cinnamon-sugar goodness. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. These Best Ever Yeast Cinnamon Rolls are irresistibly soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl. Topped with a luscious glaze or frosting, they’re perfect for special breakfasts, holiday mornings, or whenever you’re craving a comforting treat. This foolproof recipe includes tips and variations to help you make bakery-quality cinnamon rolls every time.

Why These Cinnamon Rolls Are the Best

1. Fluffy Texture: The yeast dough ensures soft, pillowy rolls.
2. Rich Filling: A generous amount of cinnamon-sugar filling guarantees each bite is flavorful.
3. Customizable Toppings: From cream cheese frosting to simple vanilla glaze, you can make them your own.

Key Ingredients & Their Importance

1. Warm Milk: Activates the yeast for a perfectly risen dough.
2. Active Dry Yeast: Creates the airy texture of the rolls.
3. Butter: Adds richness to both the dough and filling.
4. Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: The classic filling ingredients that make these rolls iconic.

Tips for Success

1. Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
2. Use room-temperature eggs to prevent affecting the dough’s rise.
3. Chill the dough if it’s too sticky to handle.

Variations

1. Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
2. Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Add a layer of mini chocolate chips to the filling.
3. Vegan Rolls: Use plant-based butter and milk. Substitute flaxseed eggs for regular eggs.

Special Dietary Labels

• Vegetarian-Friendly: No meat products used.
• Nut-Free: Base recipe is nut-free but ensure no cross-contamination.
• Vegan Option Available: With substitutions listed above.

How to Store and Freeze

1. Storing: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 5 days.
2. Freezing Unbaked Rolls: After assembling the rolls, freeze them in the pan. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
3. Freezing Baked Rolls: Freeze individually wrapped rolls and thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Troubleshooting

• Rolls Didn’t Rise: Check yeast expiration and water temperature.
• Dry Rolls: Avoid overbaking; test for doneness early.
• Sticky Dough: Chill for 15 minutes or add 1–2 tablespoons of flour.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead?
   Yes, substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast in the same quantity.
2. What’s the best way to reheat?
   Microwave rolls for 20–30 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
3. Can I halve the recipe?
   Yes, simply halve all ingredients.

Frosting and Glaze Options

1. Classic Cream Cheese Frosting:
   • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
   • 2 cups powdered sugar
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla
   • 2 tablespoons milk
2. Vanilla Glaze:
   • 1 cup powdered sugar
   • 2 tablespoons milk or cream
   • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Recommendations for Cinnamon Rolls

1. Mixing Bowls
   • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set (with non-slip bases)
     Perfect for mixing dough and filling ingredients.
     
2. Measuring Cups and Spoons
   • Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
     Accurate and durable for all measurements.
     
3. Stand Mixer with Dough Hook
   • KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer
     A great time-saver for kneading dough effortlessly.
     
4. Rolling Pin
   • Non-Stick Rolling Pin with Thickness Rings
     Ensures even dough thickness for perfectly shaped cinnamon rolls.
     
5. Bench Scraper
   • OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Bench Scraper
     Ideal for cutting dough evenly.
     
6. 9×13-Inch Baking Dish
   • Glass Baking Dish with Lid
     Perfect for baking and storing cinnamon rolls.
     
7. Pastry Brush
   • Silicone Pastry Brush Set
     Great for spreading melted butter or glaze evenly.
     
8. Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
   • Reusable Silicone Baking Mat Set
     Non-stick surface for rolling and baking.
     
9. Digital Thermometer
   • Instant Read Digital Thermometer
     Ensures milk is the right temperature for activating yeast.
     
10. Wire Cooling Rack
    • Cooling Rack Set for Baking
      Helps the rolls cool evenly before frosting.
      
11. Spatula
    • Silicone Spatula Set
      Perfect for spreading cream cheese frosting smoothly.
      

By using the right equipment, you’ll ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking process for your cinnamon rolls!

How to Make Ahead of Time

• Prepare the rolls and refrigerate overnight after assembling. Let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Enjoy these fluffy and delicious cinnamon rolls for any occasion!

Best Ever Yeast Cinnamon Rolls

Jana Rae

Discover the best yeast cinnamon rolls recipe! These soft and fluffy rolls are filled with cinnamon-sugar goodness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Pastries

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Rolls

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F/45°C)
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze/Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk (or heavy cream)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

 

Make the Dough:

• Warm the milk to about 110°F/45°C and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until smooth.
• Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
• Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

• In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until a spreadable paste forms.

Assemble the Rolls:

• Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
• Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.
• Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side, and pinch the seam to seal.
• Cut the log into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30–45 minutes.

Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

Add Glaze/Frosting:

• Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

Notes and Tips

• Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter before baking for a golden crust.
• For extra gooey rolls, double the filling ingredients.