Best Cinnamon Rolls
There is nothing quite like a pan of warm cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven, and after making these more times than I can count, I can confidently say they’re the best of the best. Soft, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon, these rolls have become our family’s go-to for Christmas morning when we actually wake up early enough to get started. My family goes crazy for anything cinnamon, and these are no exception, especially since they are my brother’s all-time favorite. They are the kind of cinnamon rolls that feel special but are still totally doable at home, making them perfect for slow holiday mornings or for prepping the day before and baking fresh in the morning, making them a cozy, comforting treat anytime!
Bake Now or Bake Later
If you want to bake these cinnamon rolls right away, follow the instructions and let them rise till fluffy, then bake as directed for soft, fluffy rolls. If you’d rather prep ahead, you can assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature until slightly fluffy, then bake fresh. Both methods work beautifully, so you can choose what fits your schedule best!
Why I Measure in Grams
…and you might want to, too
If you’ve ever made the same recipe twice and gotten two totally different results, the measuring method is often the reason.
Professional bakeries almost always measure by weight, not volume. Measuring cups leave room for inconsistency—especially with ingredients that pack differently depending on how you scoop or pour them. A scale removes all of that guesswork.
One of the biggest offenders is sugar. Different sugars (and even the same sugar measured by different people) can vary wildly in volume, but 100 grams is always 100 grams. Measuring by weight gives you repeatable, bakery-consistent results and cuts down on extra dishes at the same time.
Ingredients To Prepare
Before baking, take a few minutes to gather the ingredients below and to ensure that they are fluffy, light, and have the perfect cinnamon flavor!
Once you have all of the ingredients ready to go, you’re officially set up for cinnamon roll success. I always recommend measuring everything out ahead of time so the process is smoother, and you can focus on making the best cinnamon rolls possible!
Best Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 5 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1.5 cups milk (whole, almond, oat, etc.)
- 5 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2.5 tbsp heavy cream
- 2.25 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method
- Add the butter and milk to a heat-safe bowl and heat until just warm to the touch (about 60–90 seconds in the microwave). The mixture should be warm—not hot.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, instant yeast, and granulated sugar.
- Pour in the warm milk and butter mixture, then add the egg.
- Using a paddle or dough hook attachment, mix on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 10–15 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Lightly oil a medium-sized bowl with about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Place the dough inside, brushing a little oil over the top.
- Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, heavy cream, and room-temperature browned butter (or regular butter) until smooth and spreadable.
- Once risen, transfer the dough back to a floured surface and roll it out into a thin rectangle.
- Spread the filling evenly across the dough, then roll it up tightly into a log.
- Cut the dough into rolls using floss or a string for clean edges. Place rolls into a buttered baking pan and cover with a kitchen towel.
- Let rise again for about 1 hour, until puffed and nearly doubled.
- Bake at 350°F for 28 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool for 10 minutes before glazing.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over warm rolls and enjoy!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 6 days, or in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Egg?
The yummiest cinnamon rolls I ever made! Your recipes are brilliant
These are literally my go to cinnamon rolls recipe every time!!! I hate the ones that have cream cheese frosting and the ones that have a thin dough ratio to the butter and cinnamon sugar. Those ones are too sweet but these are PERFECT. THANKS LIVIA! Been a follower on your TikTok since 2022.