My Favorite Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: Simple, Soft, and Full of Warmth

There’s something so comforting about the scent of cinnamon filling the kitchen on a quiet weekend morning. For me, homemade cinnamon rolls are more than just a recipe — they’re a moment of calm, a little ritual that turns an ordinary day into something special. I love how the process slows me down: mixing the dough, waiting for it to rise, spreading the butter and cinnamon, then watching the golden spirals bake until they’re soft and perfectly sweet.

As a pastry chef who runs two small bakeries in my hometown, baking has always been my way of sharing warmth and comfort. Each recipe I create or revisit carries a bit of my story — and these cinnamon rolls are one of those timeless classics I never get tired of making. They remind me why I fell in love with pastry-making in the first place: the simple joy of transforming a few basic ingredients into something that feels like home.

So, if you’ve been craving something sweet yet soothing, let’s make these homemade cinnamon rolls together — one soft swirl at a time.

Things You’ll Need to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Here are some of my favorite tools I use in my bakeries and at home whenever I bake these soft, homemade cinnamon rolls. They make the process easier and the results even better:

1. Stand Mixer with Dough Hook – for soft, elastic dough every time.

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2. Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat – keeps your dough from sticking and helps with even rolling.

   → Find it here

3. Ceylon Cinnamon Powder – gives that warm, delicate flavor.

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4. Pure Vanilla Extract – for a natural, comforting aroma.

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5. Glass Mixing Bowls Set – perfect for prepping and proofing dough.

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6. Fine Mesh Sieve – for a smooth glaze that looks bakery-perfect.

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Ingredients for My Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

When I make these homemade cinnamon rolls, I always focus on keeping the ingredients simple and fresh. You don’t need anything fancy — just real butter, good flour, and that perfect touch of cinnamon that fills the house with warmth.

For the Dough

• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• ⅓ cup (70 g) granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, softened

• ½ tsp salt

If you often bake sweet doughs like these soft homemade cinnamon rolls, a stand mixer with a dough hook makes the kneading process effortless. In my bakeries, I rely on mine every single morning — it’s the secret to smooth, elastic dough without overworking it.

For the Filling

• ½ cup (110 g) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar

• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

What makes this cozy cinnamon rolls recipe so special is the balance between sweetness and spice. I always use Ceylon cinnamon for its delicate aroma and pair it with pure vanilla extract for a warm, comforting flavor.

For the Glaze

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• A small pinch of salt

A smooth glaze completes these homemade cinnamon rolls, giving them that bakery-style finish that melts beautifully over each swirl. A simple fine mesh sieve helps you get the perfect silky texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

I start these homemade cinnamon rolls by warming the milk until it’s just slightly warm to the touch — not hot, just cozy. I sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for a few minutes until it begins to foam; that’s how I know it’s alive and ready to work its magic.

In a large bowl, I combine the sugar, softened butter, eggs, and salt, then gradually add the flour. Using my stand mixer with a dough hook, I knead the dough for about 7–8 minutes until it becomes soft, smooth, and slightly elastic. If you’re kneading by hand, it might take a bit longer, but that’s part of the charm — it connects you to the process.

When the dough feels silky and springs back when pressed, I place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size. This slow rising gives the rolls their light and tender texture.

2. Make the Filling

While the dough is rising, I prepare the heart of this cozy cinnamon rolls recipe — the filling. In a small bowl, I mix the softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. The aroma alone feels like comfort in a bowl.

When the dough is ready, I roll it out into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick, then spread the cinnamon mixture evenly across. I always take my time here — the more even the layer, the more balanced every bite will be.

3. Roll, Cut, and Rise Again

Next, I gently roll up the dough from the long side, creating a soft spiral. Using a sharp knife or dough scraper, I slice it into 10–12 rolls and place them in a buttered baking pan, leaving a little space between each one.

Then, I cover them again and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes. During this time, the rolls puff up beautifully, becoming pillowy and light — the secret behind every batch of soft homemade cinnamon rolls.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection

I preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they turn a warm golden brown. The moment they come out of the oven, my kitchen fills with the most soothing scent — that mix of butter, sugar, and cinnamon that instantly feels like home.

5. Add the Glaze

Once baked, I let them cool for a few minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the top while they’re still slightly warm. The glaze melts slowly into the swirls, coating every layer in sweetness.

And that’s it — the perfect batch of homemade cinnamon rolls: soft, buttery, and full of cozy weekend warmth.

Tips from My Kitchen

After years of baking in my bakeries and at home, I’ve learned that the difference between good and unforgettable homemade cinnamon rolls often comes down to a few simple details. Here are some of the little secrets I always keep in mind:

1. Don’t rush the dough.

The first rise is where the magic happens. Give your dough time to rest and double in size. A slow rise builds flavor and creates the pillowy texture that makes soft homemade cinnamon rolls so special.

2. Use room-temperature ingredients.

Cold eggs or butter can make the dough dense. Let everything sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before you begin — it helps the yeast do its job perfectly.

3. Roll gently, not tightly.

When you roll the dough, keep it loose enough so the layers have space to expand. Too tight, and the rolls won’t rise evenly in the oven.

4. Bake until just golden.

Every oven is different, so watch your rolls carefully. Once they turn a light golden brown, they’re ready. Overbaking will dry them out, and you’ll lose that signature softness of a true cozy cinnamon rolls recipe.

5. Glaze while warm.

Pouring the glaze over slightly warm rolls lets it melt into every swirl — creating that glossy, bakery-style finish everyone loves.

6. Store them right.

If you have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often in my home), keep them covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Just warm them for a few seconds before serving to bring back the softness.

Serving & Cozy Moment

There’s something almost magical about taking these homemade cinnamon rolls out of the oven and placing them on the table while they’re still warm. The glaze slowly melts into the swirls, the butter glistens on top, and the air fills with that familiar scent of cinnamon and vanilla that feels like home.

On quiet weekends, I love serving them with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a glass of warm milk. There’s a calmness in that first bite — soft, sweet, and slightly buttery — the kind that instantly slows you down and reminds you to enjoy the little moments.

In my bakeries, we often pair these soft homemade cinnamon rolls with simple lattes or herbal teas. But at home, I prefer to enjoy them with natural light streaming in, a cozy blanket, and maybe even soft music in the background.

This is what baking means to me — not just a recipe, but a pause in the day, a way to reconnect with warmth and gratitude. Whether you share them with loved ones or enjoy one quietly on your own, these cinnamon rolls are a gentle reminder that comfort often begins in the kitchen.

Shop My Baking Essentials for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

These are the tools and ingredients I use both in my bakeries and at home to make the softest homemade cinnamon rolls.

Stand Mixer with Dough Hook Kneads dough effortlessly and gives that perfect bakery texture. Buy on Amazon	Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat Prevents sticking and keeps your dough perfectly shaped. Buy on Amazon	Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Warm, delicate flavor — the secret to cozy homemade cinnamon rolls. Buy on Amazon
Pure Vanilla Extract Adds natural aroma and sweetness to your filling and glaze. Buy on Amazon	Glass Mixing Bowl Set Ideal for mixing, proofing and prepping ingredients neatly. Buy on Amazon	Fine Mesh Sieve Creates a smooth, lump-free glaze that melts perfectly. Buy on Amazon

You May Also Like

If you enjoyed baking these homemade cinnamon rolls, you might love some of my other cozy recipes and simple living ideas too:

• DIY Holiday Candles: Create a Calm and Natural Atmosphere — a beautiful way to fill your home with warmth and scent this season.

• 10 Self-Care Rituals for a Balanced Summer — because calm and balance matter all year round.

And if you’d like to learn more about perfecting pastry techniques, this guide from King Arthur Baking shares professional insights on working with yeast doughs — a great read for any home baker.