Baked Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever bitten into a warm, fluffy treat that perfectly balances sweet and spicy, then you know the magic of Baked Cinnamon Rolls. These soft spiral rolls cozy up with a luscious cinnamon sugar filling and a gentle white icing drizzle that melts delightfully with every bite. Whether you’re aiming to impress at a brunch or simply treating yourself to a comforting morning indulgence, these rolls bring both nostalgic charm and irresistible flavor right to your kitchen. With straightforward ingredients and a process that rewards patience with pure, aromatic joy, making Baked Cinnamon Rolls at home is truly a baking hug you won’t regret.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Cinnamon Rolls lies in their simplicity — each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing to the tender texture, subtle sweetness, and those cozy cinnamon swirls we all crave. Here’s what you’ll gather to get started:

• 2 cups flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and softness when kneaded just right.
• 2 tbsp sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to compliment the cinnamon and helps feed the yeast for rising.
• 1 tsp yeast: The magic agent that transforms your dough into airy, fluffy rolls through fermentation.
• 1/2 cup warm milk: Moistens the dough and activates the yeast; make sure it’s warm, not hot, for best results.
• 2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Cinnamon sugar mixture: The star filling that infuses the rolls with their signature warm, sweet spice.

How to Make Baked Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by combining the flour, sugar, yeast, warm milk, and softened butter in a large bowl. Stir until it starts forming a dough, then knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. This kneading step is key to developing the right texture—be patient and enjoy this therapeutic moment. Once smooth, place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about an hour.

Step 2: Roll and Fill

After the dough has risen beautifully, gently punch it down and roll it out into a thin rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread a generous layer of your cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, making sure every inch will carry that lovely flavor.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge, creating those irresistible spirals of cinnamon sugar goodness. Using a sharp knife, slice the long roll into even pieces, around 1 to 1.5 inches thick, to ensure uniform baking and that classic swirl look.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your sliced rolls into a greased baking pan, leaving a little space as they will puff up further. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell like heaven in no time.

Step 5: Drizzle with Icing

Once the rolls come out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling with a simple white icing glaze. This finishing touch adds an irresistible sweetness and a shiny, inviting look that makes these Baked Cinnamon Rolls impossible to resist.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add texture and visual appeal. For an extra special touch, a few fresh berries on the side bring a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Baked Cinnamon Rolls with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk for a classic combination. For brunch, fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt complements the rolls beautifully, balancing the sweetness with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your rolls warm in a charming basket lined with a soft cloth napkin for a cozy, inviting vibe. Alternatively, stack them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of cinnamon sugar and icing on the side, inviting everyone to customize their own experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Cinnamon Rolls keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they stay soft and flavorful. For best enjoyment, consume within this time frame or refrigerate if you prefer a longer shelf life.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cinnamon rolls can be stored for up to 2 months and remain delicious once properly thawed and reheated.

Reheating

Warm leftover rolls in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to regain their fresh, just-baked softness. A quick reheat brings back all the gooey, fragrant goodness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! You can substitute instant yeast directly into the flour without proofing it in warm milk first, which can save some time. Just reduce the rising time slightly and watch your dough—it might rise faster than expected.

How do I prevent my cinnamon rolls from becoming dry?

Make sure not to overbake your rolls; pulling them from the oven as soon as they turn golden helps keep them moist. Also, don’t skimp on butter in the dough and filling. Finally, serving them freshly baked or reheated with icing ensures maximum softness.

Can I add cream cheese frosting instead of white icing?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that beautifully complements Baked Cinnamon Rolls. Just beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla, then spread it generously once rolls are slightly cooled.

Is it okay to let the dough rise overnight in the fridge?

Definitely! Refrigerating the dough overnight slows fermentation and can enhance flavor complexity. Just cover it tightly, and before baking, let it come to room temperature and give it one final rise if needed.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls gluten-free?

While traditional recipes call for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Keep in mind texture might vary slightly, so adding a bit of xanthan gum can help mimic the elasticity of gluten.

Final Thoughts

There’s something almost magical about sinking your teeth into warm Baked Cinnamon Rolls that you made from scratch. The allure of that soft dough wrapped around fragrant cinnamon sugar, topped with melting icing, creates moments of pure joy worth every minute spent in the kitchen. So why not gather your ingredients and start creating these delicious spirals of happiness today? Your mornings—and perhaps even your whole day—will thank you.