There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven—warm, buttery, and cozy with a nostalgic sweetness that wraps you in comfort. These homemade cinnamon swirl rolls are impossibly fluffy, generously filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, and topped with a rich vanilla glaze that melts into every crevice. Whether you’re baking for a special brunch, a weekend treat, or just because, these are the cinnamon rolls your cravings have been dreaming of.
Ingredients for Irresistible Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Rolls
Cinnamon Rolls
-
2 packets active dry yeast (2 x 7 g = 14 grams)
-
1/2 cup warm water (120 milliliters) — around 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit (43-49 degrees Celsius)
-
4 large eggs
-
1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
-
2 teaspoons salt
-
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (540 grams)
-
3/4 cup butter, melted and divided (170 grams)
-
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (15 grams)
-
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed (220 grams)
Glaze
-
3 to 4 cups powdered sugar (360–480 grams)
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-
3 tablespoons butter, melted (45 grams)
-
Whole milk (or milk of choice), just enough to reach a thick glaze consistency
How to Make Irresistible Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Rolls
-
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius) for 3 minutes, then turn it off. This creates a warm space for proofing the dough. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
-
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix until combined.
-
Add 1 cup (120 grams) of flour and beat on high speed for about a minute until smooth. Pour in 1/2 cup (115 grams) of melted butter and mix well. Gradually add the remaining flour in 1/2-cup (60-gram) portions. Use a dough hook or knead by hand until a smooth dough forms—knead for 5 minutes with a mixer or 8-10 minutes by hand.
-
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and place it in the warm oven (now turned off) to rise. Let the dough double in size, which should take 45 minutes to 1 hour.
-
Punch down the risen dough. On a floured surface, roll it into a rectangle about 3/4 inch (2 centimeters) thick.
-
Mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together. Brush the rolled-out dough with the remaining 1/4 cup (55 grams) of melted butter and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Optionally, you can add raisins or chopped pecans.
-
Roll the dough up from the long side into a log. Slice into pinwheels, making each as thick as you like.
-
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish, placing them close together. Brush the tops lightly with butter. Cover and let them rest for 30 minutes.
-
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes, checking at the 20-minute mark. They should be lightly golden on top.
-
While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, and enough milk to create a thick, pourable glaze.
-
Once the rolls are hot from the oven, drizzle them generously with the glaze. For extra indulgence, double the glaze recipe and slather it on!
A Sweet Final Note
These irresistible cinnamon swirl rolls are the kind of treat that turns an ordinary morning into something unforgettable. They’re soft, gooey, buttery, and sweet, with just the right kick of cinnamon to make your kitchen smell heavenly. Whether you’re sharing with family or saving them all for yourself (we won’t judge), these homemade rolls are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, make a batch—and maybe a second one while you’re at it!
