Why You’ll Love Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The texture is incredibly soft, airy, and lightly sweet — perfect warm or reheated.
A touch of honey and high hydration ensures the rolls stay moist longer.
Choose from two icing options: rich cream cheese or sweet honey glaze.
The process is detailed yet simple, with careful steps that yield a professional-quality result.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

whole milk (warmed)
granulated sugar
active dry yeast
bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
salt
egg
honey
unsalted butter (softened)
light brown sugar
ground cinnamon
unsalted butter (for filling)
unsalted butter (melted, for brushing top)
For cream cheese icing: cream cheese, powdered sugar, softened butter
For honey icing: powdered sugar, honey, milk

Directions

Activate the yeast: Warm the milk to about 40°C (105°F), stir in the sugar and yeast, and let sit until foamy (about 10 minutes).
Make the dough: Combine flour, salt, egg, honey, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until it forms a rough dough.
Knead with butter: Add softened butter and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, able to stretch into a thin “windowpane.”
First rise: Shape into a ball, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled or 2 to 2½ times its size.
Prepare filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
Roll and fill: Roll dough into a rectangle (about 10″ × 20″), spread with softened butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Shape rolls: Cut dough into strips, then roll each strip individually. Place them in a parchment-lined 9″ × 13″ baking dish.
Second rise: Cover and let rise again until 2 to 2½ times in size (about 1 hour). Preheat oven to 185°C (365°F).
Bake: Brush tops with melted butter. Bake for 20–23 minutes until golden brown.
Make icing:

Cream cheese icing: Blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter until smooth.
Honey icing: Whisk powdered sugar, honey, and milk until pourable.

Finish and serve: Spread icing over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep time: ~1 hour
Baking time: 20–23 minutes
Total time: ~3 hours (including proofing and rest)

Variations

Use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour with extra kneading and care to handle the sticky dough.
Add raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips to the filling.
Try alternate spices like cardamom or nutmeg for a twist.
Reduce butter slightly for a lighter version, though it may affect softness.
Opt for a glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla) instead of a thick icing.

Storage/Reheating

Room temperature: Store tightly wrapped for up to 24 hours.
Refrigerator: Keep for a few days, reheat gently before eating.
Freezer: Store in airtight wrap or container for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Microwave briefly or warm in the oven. To keep rolls soft, place a damp paper towel over them when microwaving.

FAQs

What size baking dish should I use?

A 9″ × 13″ (23 cm × 33 cm) rectangular baking dish is ideal.

Can I use only all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but the dough will be softer and stickier. Knead longer and use floured or oiled hands to work with it.

Is honey necessary for the dough?

Honey helps retain moisture and softness. While it can be omitted, it’s a helpful addition.

How sticky should the dough be?

The dough will be soft and slightly sticky. Don’t over-flour — just use oiled hands and a lightly floured surface.

Why cut the dough into strips before rolling?

Because the dough is very soft, cutting into strips makes it easier to roll neatly into individual buns.

How long should the final proof be?

Let the shaped rolls rise until about 2 to 2½ times their size, usually about 1 hour at room temperature.

What temperature should I bake the cinnamon rolls at?

Bake at 185°C (365°F) for about 20–23 minutes, or until golden brown.

What if the rolls are browning too quickly?

If they brown too fast, tent them loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while the centers finish baking.

Which icing is better: cream cheese or honey?

Cream cheese offers a rich, tangy finish, while honey icing is lighter and more floral — both are delicious, depending on your taste.

Will the rolls stay soft overnight?

Yes, especially if wrapped tightly. They may firm up slightly, but a quick reheat will bring back the softness.

Conclusion

These fluffy cinnamon rolls are everything a homemade treat should be — soft, sweet, aromatic, and indulgently tender. Whether topped with tangy cream cheese icing or delicate honey glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. Make them once and they’re sure to become a household favorite.