Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Experience how to make cinnamon rolls in the warmth of your kitchen with this perfect recipe, designed for soft rolls and an inviting cinnamon flavour.
Tips Before Making Your Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Choose the Right Dough Base
To make this recipe, you can use either instant yeast or active dry yeast. Both options help create a soft and fluffy dough, which is key for cinnamon rolls that rise well and have a light texture. Even if it’s your first time making cinnamon rolls, following the steps carefully will help your rolls turn out just right. Remember to let the dough rest and rise fully, this is what gives the rolls their signature fluffy texture.
Preparing the Cinnamon Filling
A classic cinnamon filling is made by mixing brown sugar with ground cinnamon and a spreadable base, such as softened butter. Make sure to distribute the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough so that every bite is full of flavour. When you roll up the dough, be gentle to keep the layers distinct and ensure the rolls may bake evenly.
Adding a Probiotic Yogurt Glaze
For a finishing touch, try a glaze made with Plain Probiotic and Prebiotic Yogurt instead of the traditional cream cheese icing. This glaze is added after the rolls have cooled, so the yogurt isn’t heated or frozen. Simply mix the yogurt with a bit of icing sugar and vanilla, then drizzle over your cinnamon rolls for a smooth finish. This step is easy to try, whether you’re making cinnamon rolls for the first time or looking to change up your usual recipe.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour (for dough rising)
Servings: 12 rolls
Ingredients
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp. instant yeast or active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp. salt
1 cup warm milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
For the filling:
½ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp. ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the probiotic yogurt glaze:
½ cup Plain Probiotic Yogurt
1 cup icing sugar
½ tsp. vanilla extract
Directions
1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast (or active dry yeast), granulated sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead and rise: Knead the cinnamon roll dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let the rolls rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the rolls: Once risen, gently punch down the dough. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
4. Add the filling: Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon. Tightly roll the dough from the long side to form a log.
5. Cut and assemble: Use a sharp knife to cut the rolls into 12 equal pieces. Lightly grease a baking pan and place the rolls cut side up, leaving a little space between each.
6. Final rise: Cover the pan and let the rolls may rise for another 30 minutes, until puffy.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the rolls and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden on top of the cinnamon rolls.
8. Cool and glaze: Allow the rolls to cool slightly in the pan. In a small bowl, mix Plain Probiotic Yogurt, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the top of the cinnamon rolls once they are just warm, not hot.
9. Serve: Enjoy the rolls as they are, or add a little extra glaze to each serving!
Questions Related to the Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Can I prepare cinnamon rolls in advance?
Yes, you can make overnight cinnamon rolls for fresh cinnamon rolls in the morning. Instead of letting the rolls rise a second time at room temperature, assemble the rolls the night before, place the rolls in a baking dish, and cover the rolls tightly. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls come to room temperature before you bake the rolls. This method is perfect for easy cinnamon rolls and means you can enjoy warm rolls with minimal effort.
What are some possible filling variations?
There are many ways to add variety to your cinnamon rolls recipe. In addition to the classic cinnamon sugar and brown sugar filling, you can add finely chopped nuts or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before rolling up the dough. For a twist, try adding dried fruit or a hint of citrus zest to the filling. No matter how you fill them, the result is always a batch of fluffy cinnamon rolls.
How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
If your rolls don’t get eaten right away, store any extras by placing the rolls in an airtight container. They will stay soft for up to three days at room temperature. If you wish to enjoy warm rolls again, reheat them briefly and add the Probiotic Yogurt glaze only after heating. This ensures to keep the probiotics benefits in the yogurt, in line with the best way to enjoy the glaze. If you plan to freeze the rolls, do so without the glaze and add it just before serving
If you loved this cinnamon roll recipe and want to make these rolls again, there are even more ideas to explore. Try our Overnight Oats with Yogurt recipe for a simple breakfast or our Easy No-Bake Granola Bars for a quick option any time of day!