How to Make the Fluffiest Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch

A Warm Hug in Pastry Form

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. But not just any cinnamon rolls—we’re talking soft, pillowy spirals of dough layered with cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a silky glaze that melts into every golden crevice. These cinnamon rolls are melt-in-your-mouth fluffy, the kind that pull apart with buttery ease and disappear before they even hit the plate.

Whether it’s a holiday morning or a random weekend indulgence, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What Makes Them So Fluffy?

The secret lies in a rich dough that’s kneaded to perfection, allowed to rise twice, and baked until light and tender. These cinnamon rolls aren’t dense or dry—they’re airy, buttery, and perfectly spiced. Paired with a dreamy cream cheese icing, every bite feels like pure joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

¾ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Step-by-Step Cinnamon Roll Magic

1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix in the flour gradually until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth, then cover and let rise for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.

2. Roll and Fill
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar evenly across the surface. Roll it up tightly and slice into 12 rolls.

3. Second Rise
Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover loosely, and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes. They should puff up nicely before baking.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until lightly golden on top but still soft in the center.

5. Frost While Warm
Whisk together the frosting ingredients until smooth, then spread over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls.

Tips for Next-Level Rolls

Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, elastic dough.
Don’t overbake—fluffy means slightly underdone in the center!
Add chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel for extra flair.

Final Thoughts

These cinnamon rolls are everything a cozy morning should be—warm, fluffy, sweet, and soul-soothing. One bite and you’ll understand why they’re a staple in The Buttered Bliss kitchen. Trust us: once you go homemade, you’ll never settle for store-bought again.