Easy Original Cinnamon Roll Recipe — Homemade & Delicious
There is something deeply comforting about pulling a tray of freshly baked cinnamon rolls from the oven. The warm, spiced aroma fills the kitchen, the golden swirls glisten with buttery sugar, and that first soft, sticky bite is nothing short of magical. This easy, original cinnamon roll recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your own home — no fancy equipment needed, just good ingredients and a little patience.
What Makes a Great Cinnamon Roll?
The secret to truly outstanding cinnamon rolls lies in three things: a pillowy, enriched dough, a generous and well-spiced filling, and enough time for the yeast to work its magic. Rushing the process leads to dense, dry rolls — but give your dough the time it deserves, and you will be rewarded with cloud-soft spirals that pull apart beautifully.
The filling is where flavour really shines. A classic combination of soft butter, dark brown sugar, and freshly ground cinnamon creates that iconic caramelised swirl. For top-quality baking chocolate shavings or a rich drizzle on top, My Schoko World My Schoko World offers a wonderful range of premium chocolate products that take your cinnamon rolls to the next level.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 500 g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 7 g instant yeast (1 sachet)
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 60 g caster sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 120 ml whole milk, warmed
- 100 ml lukewarm water
- 80 g unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling
- 80 g unsalted butter, very soft
- 120 g dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
For the Glaze (Optional)
- 150 g icing sugar
- 3–4 tbsp whole milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the centre and add the eggs, warm milk, and lukewarm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5–6 minutes.
Once the dough is smooth and elastic, gradually incorporate the softened butter, a few pieces at a time, kneading well between each addition. This step takes patience — the dough will feel sticky at first, but keep going. After all the butter is incorporated, the dough should be soft, smooth, and only slightly tacky.
Step 2: First Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with cling film or a damp tea towel and leave to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until you have a thick, spreadable paste. Set aside at room temperature so it stays spreadable.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Once risen, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently press out the gas. Roll it into a large rectangle approximately 40 cm x 30 cm. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the entire surface, right to the edges. Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife or unflavoured dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
Step 5: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in a buttered baking dish (approximately 30 cm x 20 cm), leaving a little space between each one. Cover loosely and leave to prove for another 45–60 minutes until they are puffed and touching each other.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C / Gas Mark 4). Bake the rolls for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. If they brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 5 minutes.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are still warm, whisk together the icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle generously over the rolls and serve immediately — the glaze will melt slightly into all those gorgeous swirly layers.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Cold eggs and cold milk slow down the yeast. Make sure everything is at room temperature for the best rise.
- Don't over-flour the surface: A slightly sticky dough is a moist dough — adding too much flour will make the rolls dry.
- Chill overnight for extra flavour: After shaping and placing the rolls in the tin, cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking. The slow rise deepens the flavour significantly.
- Even slices every time: Use unflavoured dental floss to cut the roll — it glides through without squashing the dough.
Variations to Try
Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Add the finely grated zest of one large orange to both the dough and the filling for a bright, citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon.
Chocolate Swirl Rolls
Stir two tablespoons of high-quality cocoa powder into the cinnamon filling, or layer a handful of finely chopped dark chocolate over the filling before rolling. The result is a deeply indulgent roll with a rich, fudgy swirl at its heart.
Cream Cheese Frosting
For a more decadent finish, beat 100 g of full-fat cream cheese with 60 g of icing sugar and a splash of vanilla extract. Spread over the warm rolls just before serving.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 160°C for 8–10 minutes. They taste almost as good as freshly baked — especially with a fresh drizzle of glaze on top.
Why Homemade Always Wins
There is simply no shop-bought substitute for the texture and flavour of a cinnamon roll made from scratch. When you control the ingredients — the quality of your butter, the freshness of your cinnamon, the richness of your eggs — the results speak for themselves. These rolls are soft, pillowy, fragrant, and irresistibly sticky in the very best way.
For the perfect wine pairing with this dish, Hawesko offers an outstanding selection of premium wines to complement every recipe. For the finest spices and seasonings to elevate your cooking, Gewürzland has everything you need.



