Perfect Cinnamon Bun Recipe: Soft, Fluffy & Delicious Every Time

Here's a reliable cinnamon bun recipe that yields soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced homemade cinnamon rolls: Combine 1 cup warm milk, 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast, and 2 tbsp sugar; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Mix with 4 cups flour, ⅓ cup sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 egg, and ⅓ cup melted butter to form a smooth dough. Let rise for 1 hour. Roll out, spread with ½ cup softened butter, ¾ cup brown sugar, and 3 tbsp cinnamon. Roll, slice, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Top with cream cheese frosting.

There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon buns filling your kitchen on a weekend morning. This easy cinnamon bun recipe from scratch delivers bakery-quality results with the perfect balance of sweet dough, rich cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting. Unlike many simplified recipes that compromise on texture, this method uses time-tested techniques to ensure consistently soft and fluffy results every time you bake.

What sets this classic cinnamon roll recipe with cream cheese frosting apart is the careful attention to dough hydration and proper yeast activation. Many home bakers struggle with dense or dry cinnamon rolls, but understanding the science behind the ingredients transforms your baking results. The warm milk temperature is crucial—too hot kills the yeast, too cold won't activate it properly.

Why This Cinnamon Bun Recipe Works

This best homemade cinnamon roll recipe incorporates professional baking principles that address common pitfalls:

• Proper yeast activation ensures consistent rising without bitterness
• Optimal butter temperature in both dough and filling creates perfect texture
• Measured cinnamon-to-sugar ratio prevents overwhelming spice
• Controlled baking time maintains moisture while achieving golden perfection

Unlike quick-mix versions, this traditional Swedish cinnamon bun recipe allows the dough to develop flavor through proper fermentation. The result is a complex, slightly tangy dough that perfectly complements the sweet filling—a hallmark of authentic kanelbullar.

Complete Ingredient Guide

Understanding each component's role helps you become a better baker. Here's why these specific ingredients matter:

Ingredient	Amount	Why It Matters
Active dry yeast	2 ¼ tsp (1 packet)	Provides reliable rise; instant yeast requires different hydration
Whole milk	1 cup, warm (110°F)	Fat content creates tender crumb; temperature critical for yeast activation
Bread flour	4 cups	Higher protein content develops better gluten structure than all-purpose
Unsalted butter	⅓ cup melted + ½ cup softened	Melted in dough for tenderness, softened for even filling distribution
Ceylon cinnamon	3 tbsp	Milder, sweeter flavor than Cassia; prevents bitterness in large quantities

For the cream cheese frosting, you'll need 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature), ¼ cup butter, 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1-2 tbsp milk. Room temperature dairy ingredients ensure smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads perfectly on warm buns.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Follow these detailed steps for perfect cinnamon buns every time:

1. Activate the yeast: Combine warm milk (110°F), 2 tbsp sugar, and yeast. Wait 5-7 minutes until foamy. If no foam appears, start over with fresh yeast.
2. Mix the dough: In large bowl, combine yeast mixture, 1 egg, melted butter, remaining sugar, salt, and 2 cups flour. Mix until combined, then gradually add remaining flour until dough pulls away from sides.
3. Knead properly: Turn onto floured surface and knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Properly developed gluten creates that signature pull-apart texture.
4. First rise: Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm spot for 60-90 minutes until doubled. Don't rush this—proper fermentation develops flavor.
5. Prepare filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread softened butter evenly over rolled dough, leaving ½ inch border, then sprinkle sugar mixture.
6. Roll and slice: Roll tightly from long side, pinch seam, and cut with dental floss for clean slices that maintain shape.
7. Bake perfectly: Place in greased 9x13 pan, cover, rise 30 minutes, then bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden. Rotate pan halfway for even baking.
8. Frost at right temperature: Cool 10 minutes before applying frosting—warm enough to melt slightly but not so hot it runs off.

Avoid These Common Cinnamon Roll Mistakes

Even experienced bakers encounter issues with cinnamon roll baking tips and tricks. Here's how to prevent frequent problems:

• Dense texture: Caused by too much flour or under-proofed dough. Measure flour by spooning into cup then leveling—don't scoop directly.
• Filling leakage: Results from butter that's too soft or uneven distribution. Use room temperature butter and spread to edges carefully.
• Burnt bottoms: Place baking pan on middle rack with another empty pan on rack below to catch drips and regulate heat.
• Dry buns: Overbaking by just 3-5 minutes dries them out. Remove when center buns reach 190°F internal temperature.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the soft and fluffy cinnamon bun recipe, experiment with these popular adaptations:

• Vegan version: Substitute milk with almond milk, butter with coconut oil, and use flax egg. Choose vegan cream cheese for frosting.
• Gluten-free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar to improve rise.
• Sticky buns: Line pan with ½ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup butter before adding rolls for caramelized bottom.
• Apple cinnamon: Add 1 cup finely diced apples to the filling layer for complementary flavor.

Storage and Serving Recommendations

For optimal enjoyment of your cinnamon bun recipe without bread machine:

• Same-day serving: Best enjoyed within 4 hours of baking when texture is at its peak
• Reheating: Microwave individual buns for 10-15 seconds or warm in 300°F oven for 5 minutes
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted buns in airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw, then bake at 350°F for 10 minutes before frosting
• Make-ahead: Prepare rolls through slicing, then refrigerate overnight. Remove 1 hour before baking to complete rise

Pair your homemade cinnamon buns with strong coffee or chai tea—the bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly. For brunch gatherings, arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for an impressive presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cinnamon buns without yeast?

Yes, you can create a quick version using 4 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and 1 cup buttermilk. However, yeast-free versions lack the complex flavor and authentic texture of traditional cinnamon rolls. The yeast contributes to both rise and flavor development through fermentation.

Why did my cinnamon rolls come out dry?

Dry cinnamon rolls typically result from overbaking (even by 3-5 minutes), too much flour in the dough, or using expired baking ingredients. Measure flour properly by spooning into measuring cups and leveling off—don't scoop directly from the bag. Also check your oven temperature with an independent thermometer as many run hotter than indicated.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

To prevent filling leakage, ensure your butter is properly softened (not melted) when spreading, roll the dough tightly but without compressing it, and pinch the seam securely. Another effective technique is to leave a ½ inch border along one long edge when spreading filling, then moisten this edge slightly before rolling to create a better seal.

Can I prepare cinnamon buns ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, roll and slice the buns, then place them in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 18 hours. Remove from refrigerator 1 hour before baking to allow for final rise. Alternatively, freeze unbaked rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 5-8 minutes to baking time.

What's the difference between cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns?

While often used interchangeably, traditional cinnamon rolls (American style) typically have a cream cheese frosting and are made with a richer dough. Cinnamon buns (Swedish kanelbullar) usually feature a pearl sugar topping instead of frosting and contain cardamom in the dough. Both share the same basic concept of rolled dough with cinnamon-sugar filling, but regional variations exist in ingredients and presentation.