Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe in 90 Minutes

The easiest homemade cinnamon rolls recipe requires just 10 basic ingredients, 20 minutes of active preparation, and delivers soft, gooey results every time. This foolproof method skips complicated techniques while maintaining authentic bakery-quality flavor and texture.

Nothing compares to the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. For home bakers seeking truly easy homemade cinnamon rolls, this recipe eliminates common pain points like fussy yeast activation, multiple rising periods, or hard-to-find ingredients. You'll create bakery-worthy pastries using standard pantry staples and straightforward techniques perfect for beginners.

Why This Easy Cinnamon Roll Recipe Works

Most "simple" cinnamon roll recipes still require advanced baking skills or specialty equipment. Our approach solves three critical challenges:

• No stand mixer needed - Knead by hand in 5 minutes
• Single-rise method - Ready in 90 minutes instead of 4+ hours
• Pantry-staple ingredients - No bread flour or exotic spices required

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
20 minutes	25 minutes	90 minutes	12 rolls

Simple Cinnamon Roll Ingredients

This easy from-scratch cinnamon rolls recipe uses common ingredients you likely already have:

Dough

• 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt

Filling

• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk

Step-by-Step Instructions for Foolproof Cinnamon Rolls

1. Activate the Yeast (5 minutes)

Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a small bowl. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. This guarantees your cinnamon rolls rise properly without guesswork.

2. Make the Dough (10 minutes)

Mix yeast mixture, remaining sugar, egg, and melted butter in large bowl. Gradually add flour and salt until shaggy dough forms. Turn onto floured surface and knead 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise (45 minutes)

Place dough in greased bowl, cover with damp cloth, and let rise at room temperature until doubled (about 45 minutes). Pro tip: Place bowl near warm oven for consistent rising.

4. Prepare Filling and Roll (10 minutes)

Punch down risen dough and roll into 16x12 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture. Starting from long side, roll tightly and pinch seam closed.

5. Cut and Second Rise (15 minutes)

Cut roll into 12 equal pieces using dental floss for clean slices. Place in greased 9x13 inch pan. Cover and let rise 15 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F (175°C).

6. Bake and Frost (25 minutes)

Bake 22-25 minutes until golden brown. While cooling slightly, beat frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread over warm rolls for best easy cinnamon rolls with creamy topping.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

These professional techniques ensure success with your easy homemade cinnamon rolls recipe:

• Milk temperature matters - Too hot kills yeast, too cold won't activate it. Use a thermometer for consistent results.
• Don't overfill - Excess filling leaks during baking, causing burnt bottoms. Stick to the recommended ½ cup brown sugar.
• Cut with dental floss - Prevents squishing the rolls compared to using a knife.
• Bake immediately after second rise - Extended rising causes uneven texture.

Common Problems Solved

Even simple cinnamon roll recipes can encounter issues. Here's how to fix them:

• Dense rolls - Usually from too much flour. Measure by spooning flour into cup then leveling.
• Filling leaking - Apply butter thinly and use exact sugar measurement.
• Uneven rising - Place bowl in turned-off oven with light on for ideal temperature.
• Dry texture - Don't overbake; remove when internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).

Delicious Variations

Customize your easy cinnamon rolls from scratch with these simple twists:

• Nutty version - Add ¼ cup chopped pecans to filling
• Apple cinnamon - Layer ½ cup finely diced apples under filling
• Orange zest - Mix 1 tbsp orange zest into dough
• Gluten-free - Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (add 1 tsp xanthan gum)

Storing and Reheating Instructions

Enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls all week with these storage tips:

• Room temperature - Store covered 2 days
• Refrigerator - Keep up to 5 days
• Freezer - Wrap unbaked rolls individually, freeze up to 3 months
• Reheating - Microwave 15 seconds or warm in 300°F oven for 5 minutes

Final Thoughts

These easy homemade cinnamon rolls prove that bakery-quality pastries don't require professional skills. By focusing on precise measurements, proper yeast activation, and single-rise technique, you'll create consistently delicious results. The recipe's flexibility allows for personalization while maintaining foolproof execution - perfect for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or spontaneous baking adventures.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls the night before?

Yes! Prepare rolls through step 5, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Remove 30 minutes before baking and allow 20-25 minutes rise time at room temperature before baking as directed.

Why did my cinnamon rolls come out dense?

Dense rolls typically result from too much flour. Measure flour by spooning into measuring cups and leveling off - don't scoop directly from the bag. Also ensure your yeast was properly activated before making the dough.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes, substitute instant yeast 1:1. With instant yeast, you can mix it directly with dry ingredients without blooming in milk first, potentially saving 5 minutes in preparation time.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Apply the softened butter in a thin, even layer leaving ½ inch border around edges. Use exactly ½ cup brown sugar mixed with cinnamon - excess filling will leak during baking. Cutting rolls with dental floss creates cleaner seals than a knife.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

Yes! Substitute dairy milk with soy or oat milk, use vegan butter, replace egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce, and use vegan cream cheese for frosting. The texture remains soft and delicious with these simple swaps.