Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Let’s be honest—Cinnabon is pretty much the only reason most of us would willingly brave the chaos of a mall anymore. That smell? It doesn’t just waft through the air—it ambushes your senses like a warm, sugar-coated hug from a cloud made entirely of butter. One minute you’re power-walking past a shoe sale, and the next you’re $7 poorer and emotionally committed to frosting because you purchased this cinnamon roll.
But what if you could have that same intoxicating aroma without escalators, overpriced lemonade, or accidentally blacking out in Bath & Body Works?
Enter: these homemade cinnamon rolls.
The first time I made them, the kitchen was a disaster zone. It looked like a science experiment had exploded on the dining table, someone needed help with math, and the dog was suspiciously quiet (never a good sign). But I had committed. I had yeast proofing, dough rising, and the stubborn hope that maybe—just maybe—I could bake my way into a peaceful morning.
Three hours later, the house smelled like a bakery married a dream. My children drifted in, wide-eyed and hopeful, like cinnamon-sugar moths to a flame. My husband peeked in with cautious optimism, as if to ask, “Are we hosting a brunch? Or has Mom finally cracked under homeschool pressure?”
These rolls are soft, gooey, and unapologetically decadent—the kind you tear apart slowly so you can fully appreciate each glorious swirl. The cinnamon-sugar filling is rich and buttery, and the cream cheese frosting? It’s thick, sweet, and generously slathered—because restraint is for vegetables.
Why you’ll love them:
- They’re made with simple pantry staples—no weird ingredients, no grocery store scavenger hunt.
- The dough is easy to work with—even if your baking assistants are short, loud, and covered in glue.
- You can make them overnight or the same day. Flexibility is built in (like all good homeschool schedules).
- They freeze well… theoretically. Ours never make it that far.
So go ahead. Clear the schoolbooks. Wipe the counter. Take a deep breath and roll—literally and figuratively.
Because some days, a warm cinnamon roll with extra frosting is the closest thing to a hug you can eat
Blessed and Rolled: The Best Cinnabon Copycat Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Course: Recipes12
servings2
hours15
minutes25
minutes2
hours40
minutesIngredients
- For the Dough
1 cup warm milk (not hot, just bathwater warm)
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
½ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
1 tsp salt
- For the Filling:
1 cup brown sugar, packed tighter than a teenager’s overnight bag
2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
⅓ cup butter, softened
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup cream cheese (and feel free to heap it)
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls (Step-by-Step Instructions)
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, stir together warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, like it’s just had a pep talk.
- Make the Dough: Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Mix until the dough comes together. Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and springy. Add a little more flour if it’s sticking to everything like your youngest child with syrup on their hands.
- Let It Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Use this time to sip coffee, switch the laundry, or hide from your family with a snack you don’t want to share.
- Roll It Out & Fill It Up: Roll the dough up from the long end like a cinnamon-y sleeping bag. Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to slice into 12 even rolls. Place them in a greased 9×13 pan (or two smaller pans if you’re feeling fancy).
- Second Rise and Bake: Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes, until they’re puffed up and ready for the oven.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until beautifully golden. Your house will smell like a mall food court, but in the best possible way. - Frost Like You Mean It: While the rolls are still warm, whip together the frosting ingredients until smooth, then slather it on generously. No skimping—this is not a diet recipe.
The Best Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Enjoy warm, sticky, soft cinnamon rolls that taste like victory.
Eat one, eat three, then claim you’re just “testing them for quality.” Share them if you must, but honestly—no judgment if you stash a few for later.
If you end up with leftovers (which is unlikely) pop one in the microwave for 20 seconds to enjoy the gooey goodness once more!
Did you try these cinnamon rolls? Leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out—or who you didn’t share them with!
Not craving anything sweet? I’ve got you covered with a confusingly delicious pizza, try it out!
Thanks for this blog I read 2 of them the lard and the mariage and now this recipe, this is inspiring tanks a lot, I all ready have a recipe for cinnamon roll but today’s I will try your recipe 🙌🏼
Have a beautiful summer, long time no see !
Ps Julien is cancer free , we tanks the Lord 🙏🏼
Stéphanie Lacourse