If you’re craving a sweet, soft, and perfectly fluffy treat that you can whip up quickly, then Cinnamon Rolls are exactly what you need. This recipe will show you how to make soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls quickly with simple ingredients, delivering that warm, comforting, melt-in-your-mouth experience perfect for breakfast or dessert in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Easy: This recipe skips long rising times without compromising the soft, fluffy texture you expect from cinnamon rolls.
Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples that create a rich, flavorful dough and irresistible cinnamon filling.
Versatile and Customizable: Perfect base recipe you can adapt with your favorite fillings or toppings.
Great for Beginners: Clear step-by-step instructions make baking cinnamon rolls accessible even if you’re new in the kitchen.
Perfect Anytime Snack: Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat that pleases all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This simple list of ingredients focuses on delivering that classic flavor and fluffy texture Cinnamon Rolls are known for, each playing a key role in the dough’s softness, sweetness, and that lovely golden color.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, elastic dough that rises beautifully.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness for a soft crumb and helps activate yeast.
Active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes your dough rise and stay fluffy.
Sugar: Sweetens the dough and fuels the yeast for better fermentation.
Butter: Adds richness and keeps the rolls moist and tender.
Egg: Provides structure and a slightly golden crust.
Cinnamon: The essential warm spice that gives the rolls their signature flavor.
Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and adds a caramel-like note to the filling.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Cream cheese or powdered sugar glaze: Optional but recommended for that luscious finishing touch.

Variations for Cinnamon Rolls

One of the best things about Cinnamon Rolls is how easily you can tailor them to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to go healthier or indulge further, the possibilities are endless!

Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
Vegan Version: Substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk and use vegan butter to keep it dairy-free.
Spiced Up: Mix ground cardamom or nutmeg with cinnamon to enhance the spice profile.
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder inside for a chocolate twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a quality gluten-free flour blend to enjoy these rolls without gluten worries.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Warm the milk until lukewarm and dissolve the active dry yeast with a pinch of sugar. Let it bloom for about 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, softened butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix well until you form a smooth, elastic dough.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until it roughly doubles in size. This step helps develop flavor and creates the desired fluffiness.

Step 3: Roll Out and Add Filling

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread softened butter evenly over it, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture generously on top.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long edge. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the roll into even slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Cover and let rise for another 20 to 30 minutes until they look puffed up.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden brown and deliciously fragrant.

Step 7: Add the Glaze

While still warm, drizzle your favorite glaze—whether powdered sugar-based or a cream cheese frosting—over the top for that perfect, gooey finish.

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Rolls

Use warm, not hot milk: This keeps yeast alive and ensures a good rise without killing it.
Don’t over-flour your surface: Light dusting prevents sticking without drying the dough.
Cut evenly: Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for neat slices.
Let rolls cool slightly before glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting into a thin glaze puddle.
Fresh cinnamon counts: Use high-quality cinnamon for a more vibrant and rich flavor.

How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the presentation and add delightful textures.

Side Dishes

Pair these sweet rolls with a fresh fruit salad or a creamy cup of coffee or hot chocolate to balance richness with refreshing flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Cinnamon Rolls on a rustic wooden board with individual portions wrapped in parchment paper ribbons for an inviting, cozy feel perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for up to a week to keep them fresh and moist.

Freezing

Wrap individual rolls tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen rolls keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Warm leftover or thawed cinnamon rolls in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to regain their soft texture and freshly baked feel.

FAQs

Can I make cinnamon rolls without yeast?

While possible, yeast is essential for the traditional fluffy texture; quick bread versions use baking powder but will be denser.

How do I keep cinnamon rolls soft for longer?

Storing in an airtight container and reheating gently helps maintain softness; adding a bit of moisture like a damp paper towel during storage can also help.

Can I prepare cinnamon rolls the night before baking?

Yes! After shaping and slicing, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for an effortless breakfast.

What’s the best way to make cinnamon rolls fluffier?

Proper yeast activation, allowing enough rise time, and using the right flour proportion contribute to fluffier rolls.

Are cinnamon rolls suitable for freezing after baking?

Absolutely! Freeze baked rolls after cooling completely, then thaw and reheat as needed without losing much freshness.

Final Thoughts

Treat yourself to these irresistibly soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls that you can whip up fast and serve anytime. Once you try this easy recipe, you’ll see just how simple it is to enjoy bakery-quality cinnamon rolls right from your own kitchen—your mornings and desserts are about to get a delicious upgrade!

Cinnamon Rolls

Print Recipe

Quick and easy cinnamon rolls with soft, fluffy texture made from simple pantry ingredients. Skip long rising times without sacrificing the perfect melt-in-your-mouth warmth, ideal for breakfast, dessert, or anytime treats.

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 cup milk (lukewarm)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar (divided)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 large egg

Filling Ingredients

¼ cup unsalted butter (softened, for spreading)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ cup brown sugar (packed)

Glaze (Optional)

Cream cheese frosting or powdered sugar glaze

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm and dissolve the active dry yeast with a pinch of sugar. Let it bloom for about 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour, ¼ cup sugar, salt, softened butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix well until smooth and elastic dough forms.
Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 to 60 minutes, or until it roughly doubles in size. This step develops flavor and fluffiness.
Roll Out and Add Filling: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar mixture generously on top.
Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into even slices about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
Second Rise: Place cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish, allowing space between each. Cover and let rise for another 20 to 30 minutes until puffy.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
Add the Glaze: While still warm, drizzle your choice of cream cheese frosting or powdered sugar glaze over the rolls for a luscious finish.

Notes

Use warm (not hot) milk to keep yeast alive and ensure good rise.
Lightly flour surfaces to prevent sticking without drying dough.
Cut rolls evenly using dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for neat slices.
Allow rolls to cool slightly before glazing to avoid glaze melting into thin puddles.
Use fresh, high-quality cinnamon for best flavor.
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 1 week.
Freeze wrapped rolls for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Reheat in microwave for 20 seconds or oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to restore softness.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
Calories: 310
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, quick cinnamon rolls, easy cinnamon rolls, fluffy cinnamon rolls, breakfast treats, baked sweet rolls