Why Make This Recipe
Easy Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect treat for breakfast or snack time. They are soft, fluffy, and full of warm cinnamon flavor. Baking these rolls fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that invites everyone to the table. Plus, they are easy to make, even for beginners!
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1-2 tbsp milk (for icing)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and melted butter.
- Add instant yeast and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix in the egg, salt, and flour gradually until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on top.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut it into slices.
- Place slices on a baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- For icing, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle over warm rolls.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Serve the cinnamon rolls warm, drizzled with icing. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also add some fresh fruit on the side for a complete meal.
How to Store Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To eat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Easy Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Don’t skip the rising time; it helps the rolls become fluffy.
- You can add nuts or raisins to the filling for extra flavor.
Variation
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the dough for a different taste. You can also experiment with different fillings like chocolate chips or nuts.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you will need to proof it in warm milk first before using it in the recipe.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just let it come back to room temperature before rolling and baking.
How can I make the icing thicker?
Add more powdered sugar to the icing mixture until you reach your desired thickness.

Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk Warm, not hot
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
Filling Ingredients
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened For filling
Icing Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar For icing
- 1-2 tbsp milk For icing
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and melted butter.
- Add instant yeast and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix in the egg, salt, and flour gradually until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
Filling and Rising
- Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on top.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut it into slices.
- Place slices on a baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- For icing, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle over warm rolls.
