The Best Cinnamon Rolls You’ll Ever Eat

It’s that time of year again. Time to say welcome you to the wide, wide world of cinnamon roll love. In case you weren’t aware, these cinnamon rolls have been the #1 recipe on Ambitious Kitchen for almost 6 years now!

Seriously, say hello to big, fluffy PERFECT cinnamon rolls packed with a cinnamon brown sugar filling and glazed with a vanilla cream cheese glaze that drips into the middle and soaks every single bite. Watch me fully make them on YouTube HERE!

Descriptive, yes. Delicious, absolutely. Sometimes you need something a little indulgent for moments in your life that require a little something special.

The trick to keeping the cinnamon rolls soft and fluffy is bread flour. Yep, that’s right. The one and only. The rolls really won’t be the same otherwise.

Do I think they could compete with Cinnabon’s famous recipe? 100%. Be sure to read through the WHOLE post where I’ve shared tips & tricks and answered all of your cinnamon roll baking questions!

The story behind this legendary recipe

I first published this recipe back in May of 2017. I had been making this glorious cinnamon roll recipe for years and wanted to share it with all of you.

Years later, these cinnamon rolls are one of the most popular recipes on Ambitious Kitchen, and today I’m bringing them back to remind you of how delicious they are, but also share a few extra tips and tricks, plus a video tutorial of me making them (at the end of the post).

The very first time I baked them up was for Easter brunch while Tony was still in baseball. His parents were in town and he lived with 5 other guys. I prepped the dough the night before, kneading it by hand and mixing the dough with an old wooden spoon. It was perfection. The next morning I popped the rolls in the oven and they rose like cinnamon roll mountains: glorious, beautiful and finished off with a sweet vanilla cream cheese icing. The most beautiful brunch pastry you’d ever see.

The guys dug in immediately and said they were some of the best cinnamon rolls they’d ever had. I knew from that point forward that I’d make this recipe at every special occasion and holiday. Now I make them every Christmas morning for brunch — it’s such a fun tradition and everyone always looks forward to my famous cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients in cinnamon rolls

This cinnamon roll recipe doesn’t require a ton of ingredients, but it does require love, patience, and dedication to the true recipe — meaning don’t deviate from the original! These are called the best cinnamon rolls for a reason, and that requires following the recipe as instructed. Here’s what you’ll need to make the best cinnamon rolls:

• Milk: I recommend 2% or whole milk, but know that almond milk will also work (I’ve tried it!) See my tips below for ensuring your milk is at the right temperature.
• Granulated sugar: this is used to sweeten the cinnamon rolls and to help activate the yeast.
• Quick rise yeast: use quick rise or instant yeast in this recipe to help the cinnamon rolls rise faster. You can also use active dry yeast, but the cinnamon rolls may take slightly longer to rise. Scroll down to get tips for using yeast in this recipe!
• Butter: the one and only. I prefer to use salted butter, but unsalted is great too. You’ll need it for the dough, filling, and icing.
• Egg + egg yolk: this recipe calls for 1 egg and 1 egg yolk for the perfect texture and rich consistency in the dough.
• Bread flour: to help keep these cinnamon rolls soft and fluffy, we’re using bread flour, which has a higher protein level to help lighten the cinnamon roll texture. The higher amounts of protein help to produce more gluten, which gives cinnamon rolls the chewy, soft texture you know and love.
• Brown sugar: personally, I love using dark brown sugar for a more robust molasses sweet flavor in those cinnamon swirls, but light brown sugar will work!
• Cinnamon: a must for these delicious rolls!
• Salt: cinnamon rolls made without salt taste very plain, and in addition, salt also helps to control yeast in cinnamon roll recipes, so don’t skip it.
• For the icing: the icing is truly unforgettable, too! Just cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla.

YES PLEASE. Cinnabon, you’ve got nothing on these rolls.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes! As I mentioned, I’ve used almond milk in this cinnamon roll recipe with success. You can also use vegan butter and a vegan cream cheese to make the recipe completely dairy-free.

Looking for a vegan version?

Try my Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls, which essentially replace the eggs with mashed banana!

Which yeast is best for cinnamon rolls + how to know when yeast is activated

I can understand why it may be confusing to know if your yeast is activated. First, it’s important to know that there are two types of yeast to choose from:

• Active dry yeast: this type of yeast must be dissolved in liquid, or also what’s known as being “proofed” before it’s added to the rest of the dough ingredients. You’ll know this type of yeast is activated when little bubbles start to appear in the liquid that you dissolve the yeast in (for this recipe, it’s warm milk).
• Instant yeast: also known as quick rise yeast (this is the brand I use and love!), and what we are using for this cinnamon roll recipe. It can be added to the dough without any ‘proofing’ required, so you don’t need to sit and watch the yeast to make sure it bubbles. However, I still like to dissolve it in a little bit of milk and sugar to help get it started.

Regardless of which yeast you’re using, it’s essential that you add it to warm milk that’s between 105 and 115 degrees F. More on this below! You can also add a little sugar with either yeast to help it get activated.

Tips for making the best cinnamon rolls

1. Don’t overheat your milk. It should be between 105-115 degrees F. Anything hotter is likely to kill the yeast, which means the cinnamon rolls will not rise. A simple tip is to dip your finger in the milk — it should feel warm, similar to warm bath water, but not HOT. If you warmed it up too much, simply wait a few minutes until it cools down enough to touch.
2. Make sure to use room temperature butter for the filling. A lot of recipes call for using melted butter in the filling, but that will cause the filling to leak out before baking. Room temperature butter is best!
3. Rub the brown sugar into the butter. After you spread out the softened butter, it’s important to rub the brown sugar into the butter and dough so that it’s well combined. Please refer to the video!
4. Use a room temperature eggs in the dough. If you use a cold egg, there’s a chance it could affect the yeast or mix with the melted butter and cause it to coagulate. To bring your eggs to room temperature, simply place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
5. Use bread flour. Bread flour is available at most grocery stores, and it makes ALL the difference in achieving softer, fluffy, perfect cinnamon rolls. JUST TRUST ME.
6. Make sure you flour your work surface and the rolling pin. This is to prevent the cinnamon rolls from sticking to the surface or to the rolling pin.

Tools you’ll need to make cinnamon rolls from scratch

Here are some kitchen tools I recommend that will help make this cinnamon roll recipe a success:

• Stand mixer. You’ll want to use the dough hook on your stand mixer to easily knead the dough before rolling it out. Don’t have a stand mixer? No worries! You can also knead the dough by hand.
• Wooden spoon. I recommend mixing your dough together with a wooden spoon.
• Rolling pin. For rolling out that beautiful dough. Pro tip: if you don’t have a rolling pin, you can also flour up a wine bottle!
• Serrated knife. Using a serrated knife will help you cut the cinnamon rolls out after you roll the dough up. You can also use floss.
• 9×9 inch pan. I recommend using a 9×9 inch baking pan so that the cinnamon rolls fit well and bake properly.

Storing tips

Feel free to store your freshly baked cinnamon rolls covered at room temp for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply reheat in the microwave to get them soft and gooey again!

How to make overnight cinnamon rolls

1. After the first rise, roll the cinnamon rolls up, cut them as directed, and arrange them in a pan lined with parchment paper.
2. Cover the pan well with plastic wrap, then place them in the fridge overnight. They can stay in the fridge for up to 18 hours from the time you place them in there — no more!
3. When you are ready to bake, bring the cinnamon rolls to room temperature and let them rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Bake as directed, then frost & devour!

**Please note that in the video, I accidentally say to put the cinnamon rolls in the fridge after the 2nd rise, but you should put them in the fridge after the first rise.

How to freeze cinnamon rolls

• To freeze before baking: the dough should be frozen after the first rise (once they are rolled up with the filling in and cut). Place into a pan and cover well, then place in the freezer. When you are ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the fridge — preferably overnight — then put it in a warm spot for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking to activate the second rise. Bake cinnamon rolls as directed.
• To freeze after baking: allow the cinnamon rolls to come to room temperature after baking, then you can choose to either freeze the entire pan, making sure they are well wrapped or covered in an airtight container, or you can choose to freeze individual cinnamon rolls. When ready to eat, defrost the cinnamon rolls at room temperature, then warm in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, or you can warm them up individually in the microwave for 20-30 seconds (once defrosted). I prefer to freeze them before they are iced, and then frost them when ready to eat. The icing is also freezer-friendly!

Your cinnamon roll questions: answered

Be sure to read through the full post for answers to common questions about making cinnamon rolls. A few more common questions that I get:

1. Can I use all-purpose flour? The recipe will still work with all-purpose flour (and readers have used it with success), but I highly recommend sticking with bread flour because, as I mentioned, it’s what makes these rolls extra fluffy and delicious.
2. Why did the middles pop out of my cinnamon rolls? This can happen if you roll them a bit too tightly or if your pan is too small. Be sure to cut the dough off the ends of your cinnamon roll log as shown in the video below so that the rolls all fit in your pan.
3. Can I double the recipe? Yep! Just remember to use a larger pan.
4. What can I do if my dough is too sticky while kneading? Simply add a little more flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until it’s easier to work with.
5. Can I use a bread maker? I haven’t tested this recipe using a bread maker, but readers in the comments have done so with success!
6. Can I add mix-ins to the filling? You bet! I think chopped nuts, raisins, or even other spices like pumpkin pie spice would be delicious.
7. How far in advance can I make them? If you use the overnight method (as described above), the rolls can sit in the fridge for up to 18 hours before baking. Otherwise, feel free to make them further in advance and freeze them — instructions also included above in the blog post!

More brunch treats you’ll love

• Upside-Down Bananas Foster French Toast Bake
• The Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls You’ll Ever Eat
• Brown Butter Apple Coffee Cake
• Healthy Gingerbread Loaf
• Vanilla Brown Butter Pear Baked Oatmeal
• Espresso Yogurt Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

Get all of our delicious breakfast & brunch recipes here!

BONUS: make cinnamon roll bunnies for Easter

Turn these rolls into the cutest Easter bunnies! Watch me make them HERE, and follow these instructions:

1. After the first rise (Step 4 in the recipe), roll out the dough as directed.
2. Spread with the butter and cinnamon sugar mixture, then cut the dough into 12 strips with a pizza cutter and roll up as directed in the video.
3. Cover with a towel to let rise again for 30 mins while you preheat the oven.
4. Bake as directed in the recipe! I top mine with cream cheese frosting and candy eyes + sprinkles.

I hope you get a chance to try out this cinnamon roll recipe! They are truly a family favorite. Make them, keep them in your family for generations to come, and share a sweet surprise with someone special in your life. Don’t forget to rate the recipe below!

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The Best Cinnamon Rolls You'll Ever Eat

4.90 from 2787 votes

byby :Monique Volz of AmbitiousKitchen.com

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Prep Time 2 hours hours

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

ServesServes 9 large cinnamon rolls

The BEST cinnamon rolls in the WORLD. Big, fluffy, soft and absolutely delicious. You'll never go back to any other recipe once you try this one! This cinnamon roll recipe includes options to make them overnight or ahead of time and even freeze them.

Ingredients

• DOUGH
• ¾ cup (180 grams) milk (whole milk or 2% preferred)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (one ¼-ounce package) quick-rise (instant) or active dry yeast*
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) salted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
• 3 cups (360 grams) bread flour, plus more as needed
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for greasing the bowl
• FILLING
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) salted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup (142 grams) packed dark brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
• CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
• 4 oz (112 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup (85 grams) powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons salted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Prepare the dough: In a small microwave-safe bowl, warm the milk by microwaving it for 45 seconds to 1 minute, until it registers 115°F on a thermometer and feels like warm bath water.
• Place the warmed milk in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and sprinkle the yeast on top. (If using active dry yeast, add the sugar now and let the yeast sit with the sugar until foamy, about 5 minutes.) If you haven’t already, add the sugar, then the melted butter, egg, and egg yolk. Mix on medium speed until well combined, 30 seconds. (Alternatively, mix with a wooden spoon until well combined.) Remove the bowl from the mixer and use a wooden spoon to stir in the flour and salt until a dough begins to form (this will prevent flour from flying everywhere!).
• Knead the dough: Place the dough hook on the stand mixer and return the bowl to the mixer. Mix the dough on medium speed until it comes together and feels soft and slightly sticky, 8 to 10 minutes. If it’s too sticky—meaning it’s sticking to the bottom of the mixer—add another 1 to 3 tablespoons bread flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. (Alternatively, you can use your hands to knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes on a well-floured surface.) Meanwhile, place a clean dish towel in your dryer to warm.
• Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough ball to the bowl, then cover with plastic wrap and the warm towel. Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, 1 to 1½ hours. (This may be more or less time depending on the time of year, the humidity, and the temperature in your home.) You will know the dough has risen enough when you poke your finger into the dough about an inch without the indentation bouncing back immediately.
• Generously dust a surface with flour. Turn out the dough and use a rolling pin to roll the dough into an 10 × 14-inch rectangle.
• Prepare the filling: Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a ¼-inch margin at the far short side of the rectangle. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Use your hands to sprinkle the mixture over the butter, then gently rub the brown sugar mixture into the butter.
• Starting from the short side without the margin, very tightly roll up the dough. Seal the far edge of the dough as best you can by pinching the dough together just slightly, then make sure the dough log is seam-side down. Cut a ½ inch off the ends of the dough, as the ends won’t have enough filling; feel free to discard (or bake separately as yummy extras). Use your hands to give the dough log a gentle push inwards on both ends so that it compacts slightly, as it may have stretched out a bit during the rolling process.
• Using unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife, cut the dough into nine 1-inch slices.
• Line a 9x9-inch or 11x7-inch pan with parchment paper. Place the rolls in the prepared baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel and let rise again until the rolls have puffed up, are doubled in size, and touching each other in the pan, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Bake the cinnamon rolls: Once the rolls have risen, remove the plastic wrap and towel and bake until golden brown on the edges, 20 to 25 minutes. Not overbaking the rolls ensures that they will stay soft in the middle. Cool for 10 minutes.
• Prepare the cream cheese frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. (Alternatively, whisk the frosting by hand.) Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and serve.
• To store: Cover the whole pan with plastic wrap and foil or place individual cinnamon rolls in airtight containers or silicone bags and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat the cinnamon rolls individually in the microwave in 15 second intervals until warm.

Recipe Notes

*If you use quick rise or instant yeast you do not need to "proof" it before adding in the dough ingredients. If you use active dry yeast, you'll want to dissolve it in the warm milk until little bubbles appear before adding the rest of the dough ingredients. The dough may take longer to rise with active dry yeast as well.

To make overnight cinnamon rolls:
After placing rolls into the greased pan (after the first rise), simply cover, place overnight in the fridge and then bake them in the morning as directed. I like to bring my cinnamon rolls to room temperature first by leaving them on the counter for 30-45 minutes before baking (this is known as the second rise).

Make Easter bunny cinnamon rolls: check out the bottom of the blog post, and watch the video HERE!

Check the blog post for instructions on how to freeze cinnamon rolls, plus additional tips, tricks and FAQs!

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen Photography: Sarah Fennel

This post was originally published in May 2017, republished in November 2021, republished in December 2022, republished December 8th, 2024, and republished November 15th, 2025.