The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Frosting
- Cameron Rosenthal
- Feb 11
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 26
There’s Nothing Better Than Homemade Cinnamon Rolls ( Jump to recipe)
The smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling the kitchen? Pure magic—especially when they’re made from scratch! I love making these for my family, whether it’s a slow weekend morning or a special occasion. They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon goodness, all topped with a rich vanilla frosting that melts into every swirl.
If you’ve never made homemade cinnamon rolls before, don’t worry—this recipe is easy to follow and so worth it!
The magic is in the process—watching the dough rise, spreading that buttery cinnamon filling, and rolling it up into perfect swirls. There’s something so comforting about taking the time to make them from scratch, knowing they’ll turn out soft, pillowy, and absolutely delicious. Plus, the anticipation of that first warm bite, with sweet cinnamon sugar melting into the dough, makes the effort totally worth it.
New to baking? The right tools make all the difference! A stand mixer helps knead the dough effortlessly, and using unflavored dental floss instead of a knife makes slicing clean and easy.
Related Posts: More Delicious Recipes
Why You’ll Love These Easy Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re craving soft, gooey cinnamon rolls that taste like they came straight from a bakery—but with minimal effort—this recipe is for you!
Soft, Fluffy Dough – Made with warm milk, butter, and just the right amount of bread flour for that perfect pillowy texture.
Perfectly Spiced Filling – A rich blend of dark brown sugar and cinnamon creates a sweet, slightly caramelized swirl in every bite.
Buttery Goodness in Every Layer – With butter in the dough, filling, and frosting, these rolls are irresistibly rich and decadent.
Quick & Simple to Make – Using quick-rise yeast and a stand mixer, this dough comes together effortlessly—less waiting, more enjoying!
Soft Center, Golden Edges – Baked to perfection, the rolls stay soft in the middle while developing a lightly golden top that holds up to all that creamy frosting.
Dreamy Vanilla Frosting – Made with butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, this thick, fluffy frosting melts into every swirl for the ultimate gooey bite.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning for the perfect treat with your coffee. Leftovers (if you have any!) reheat beautifully.
One bite, and you’ll never go back to store-bought - sorry Pilsbury dough boy!
The Secret to Perfect Cinnamon Rolls? The Frosting!
What really takes these cinnamon rolls over the top is the vanilla frosting. It’s smooth, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet, soaking into the warm rolls for the perfect finishing touch. Whether you enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee in the morning or as an indulgent treat any time of day, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your kitchen.
Want to make the process even easier? A silicone baking mat makes rolling out the dough mess-free, and a 9x9-inch baking pan ensures even baking every time.
How to Bake with Yeast: Tips for Beginners
New to baking with yeast? Don’t worry! It’s easier than you think. Here are some essential tips to ensure perfect, fluffy cinnamon rolls every time.
Use the Right Yeast
Active Dry Yeast – Needs to be dissolved in warm liquid before using.
Instant (Quick-Rise) Yeast – Can be mixed directly into dry ingredients.
Both work, but active dry yeast requires proofing first.
Check Your Yeast’s Freshness
Yeast can expire! If you’re unsure, proof it first:
Dissolve 1 teaspoon sugar in ¼ cup warm water (110°F).
Stir in 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast and wait 5-10 minutes.
If it foams up, it’s active. If not, toss it and use fresh yeast.
Temperature Matters
Yeast thrives in warmth but dies in heat.
Aim for 110°F–115°F for liquids (warm but not hot to the touch).
Above 130°F, yeast starts to die—don’t overheat your milk or water.
Give It Time to Rise
Yeast needs a warm, draft-free place to rise.
A great trick: Preheat your oven for 1-2 minutes, then turn it off and place your dough inside to rise.
Don’t Kill the Yeast with Salt
Salt slows down yeast growth, so always mix it into the flour, not directly into the yeast mixture.
Flour Matters Too
Bread flour gives the best structure for fluffy rolls, but all-purpose flour can work too.
If your dough is too sticky, add a little flour—but don’t overdo it, or the rolls may be tough.
Be Patient—Good Things Take Time
Let your dough rise fully. If it hasn’t doubled in size, give it more time.
Rushing the process leads to dense, under-proofed rolls.
Once you master these yeast basics, you’ll be making bakery-worthy cinnamon rolls with confidence!
Why Are My Cinnamon Rolls Not Fluffy?
If your cinnamon rolls turned out dense instead of soft and fluffy, here are a few possible reasons:
Yeast Issues – Expired or inactive yeast means the dough won’t rise. Always proof your yeast first.
Liquid Was Too Hot or Too Cold – If milk is too hot (above 130°F), it can kill the yeast. If it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.
Not Enough Rising Time – If the dough didn’t double in size, it needs more time. Be patient!
Too Much Flour – Adding too much flour can make the dough stiff and heavy. It should be slightly sticky but still manageable.
Overbaking – Baking too long dries out the rolls. Check for a light golden top around 20-25 minutes to keep them soft.
Why Are My Cinnamon Rolls Uneven?
If your cinnamon rolls are coming out misshapen or uneven, here’s what might be happening:
Uneven Rolling – If the dough isn’t rolled out evenly before adding the filling, some rolls may be thicker than others. Use a ruler for guidance.
Loose or Tight Rolling – Rolling too loosely can cause gaps inside, while rolling too tightly can make them rise unevenly. Roll firmly but gently.
Inconsistent Cutting – If rolls are cut unevenly, they won’t bake evenly. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean slices.
Crowded Baking Dish – If rolls are packed too tightly, they may bake into each other irregularly. If too far apart, they might spread unevenly.
Uneven Oven Temperature – Hot spots in your oven can cause uneven baking. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.
Making a few small adjustments can lead to picture-perfect, fluffy cinnamon rolls every time!
Enjoy Every Bite!
These soft, gooey cinnamon rolls are the ultimate homemade treat. There’s nothing better than pulling a warm tray from the oven and watching the frosting melt into every swirl.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments—do you like your cinnamon rolls extra gooey or with a little crunch on the edges? Happy baking!
Homemade Cinnamon Roll Ingredients
For the Dough:
¾ cup (180g) warm milk (whole or 2%) – about 110°F
2 ¼ teaspoons quick-rise or active dry yeast (one ¼-ounce packet)
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature
¼ cup (57g) melted butter (salted or unsalted)
3 cups (360g) bread flour (plus more if needed)
¾ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
⅔ cup (142g) dark brown sugar (light brown works too)
1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup (57g) softened butter
For the Icing:
½ cup (113g) salted butter, room temperature
3 cups powdered sugar
2-3 teaspoons vanilla extract (use clear vanilla for a bright white frosting)
Up to 3 tablespoons whole milk (as needed)
Homemade Cinnamon Roll Instructions
Make the Dough:
Warm the milk until it reaches about 110°F—I usually microwave it for 40-45 seconds.
Pour the warm milk into the bowl of a stand mixer, sprinkle the yeast over the top, and let it sit for a minute to activate.
Add the sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
Gradually stir in the flour and salt with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
Attach a dough hook to your stand mixer and knead on medium speed for a few minutes, until the dough is smooth, slightly sticky, and forms a soft ball.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and a warm towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Cinnamon Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 14x9-inch rectangle.
Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Gently press it in so it adheres.
Tightly roll the dough from the shorter side to form a log. Place it seam-side down and trim about an inch off each end.
Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into even slices.
Rise & Bake:
Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x9-inch baking pan (or a round 9-inch cake pan). Lining the pan with parchment paper helps catch any filling that may leak.
Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and a warm towel, allowing them to rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Once risen, remove the cover and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are just lightly golden brown. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and gooey in the center.
Let the rolls cool for 5-10 minutes before adding the frosting.
Make the Vanilla Frosting:
In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add a little milk as needed to bring it together.
Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
Spread the frosting generously over warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly before eating. The frosting can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Stir well before using.
Enjoy these soft, gooey, homemade cinnamon rolls with your loved ones—there’s nothing better than a warm, sweet treat straight from the oven! Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how yours turned out or if you have any favorite cinnamon roll tips!
These are awesome!
My wife keeps making these and they're seriously the best