These fluffy cinnamon rolls, inspired by the famous Cinnabon, are everything you love about the classic treat—soft, buttery dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar, and topped with a rich, creamy glaze. The rolls rise beautifully, thanks to the yeast, and the filling melts into the dough, creating that perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Finished with a drizzle of sweet glaze, these rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these cinnamon rolls will become your go-to treat.
Why You’ll Love This: You’ll fall in love with these cinnamon rolls because they are incredibly soft, light, and perfectly spiced. The cinnamon-sugar filling pairs beautifully with the buttery dough, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The rolls are also topped with a creamy glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. The dough is easy to work with, and the result is a batch of perfectly risen rolls that are soft on the inside with just a slight crisp on the outside. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at homemade cinnamon rolls for the first time, this recipe will make you feel like a pro.
Perfect Occasion: These fluffy cinnamon rolls are perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or any special occasion where you want to treat your family or guests to something homemade and delicious. They also make a thoughtful gift or addition to any potluck or gathering. Since they are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, they’re ideal for serving warm with coffee or tea. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast or an afternoon indulgence, these rolls are sure to impress.
Decoration Tips: Once the cinnamon rolls are baked and glazed, consider adding a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or some finely chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal. If you want to make them extra special, drizzle some melted white chocolate or caramel sauce over the top. You can also serve them with a side of extra glaze for dipping or simply dust them with a bit of powdered sugar for a classic look.
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 130 ml warm milk (about 40°C)
- 5 g instant dry yeast
- 40 g sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 50 g butter, melted
- 280 g all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 30 g softened butter
- 3 tablespoons sugar (brown or white)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 80 ml cream (33% fat)
- 60 g powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the yeast mixture: Warm the milk to about 40°C (slightly warmer than room temperature). Add a pinch of sugar and the yeast to the milk, stirring to combine. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Be careful not to overheat the milk, as hot milk can kill the yeast.
- Mix the dough: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg with the sugar. Add the yeast mixture and the melted butter (make sure it’s not hot), and mix everything together. Gradually sift in the flour and add a pinch of salt. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to over-flour the dough.
- Let the dough rise: Grease a large bowl with a bit of oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. For a quick rise, you can warm the oven to 50°C, turn it off, and place the dough inside with the door slightly open.
- Prepare the filling: While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter with the sugar and cinnamon to create the filling.
- Shape the rolls: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle about 30×35 cm in size. Spread the cinnamon-sugar butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one edge to seal the roll.
- Roll and cut: Roll the dough tightly from one edge to the other, creating a log shape. Using a piece of string or a sharp knife, cut the roll into 6-7 equal pieces.
- Prepare the baking dish: Line a baking dish with parchment paper and arrange the rolls inside, leaving some space between them. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
- Make the glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the cream and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Glaze the rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the glaze over the warm rolls.
Enjoy your fluffy and delicious cinnamon rolls, perfect for any occasion!
