Wake up to the heavenly aroma of freshly baked Breakfast Cinnamon Rolls! Soft, pillowy, and packed with cinnamon goodness, these rolls take the classic cinnamon roll and give it a breakfast twist that’ll make your mornings extra special.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or treating your family to a cozy breakfast, these versatile rolls are sure to become your new favorite morning tradition. And the best part? They’re ready in just over an hour, striking the perfect balance between easy prep and impressive results. Your mornings are about to get a whole lot sweeter!
Why You'll Love These Breakfast Cinnamon Rolls
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked breakfast cinnamon rolls filling the kitchen on a cozy morning. Unlike store-bought versions, these homemade rolls have a buttery, tender dough that practically melts in your mouth, offering a warm and comforting start to your day.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility—you can prepare the dough the night before, allowing it to rise slowly in the refrigerator, so all you have to do in the morning is bake and enjoy. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast that fits effortlessly into your routine. And if you want to save some for later, these breakfast cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully, ensuring you always have a fresh, homemade treat ready to go.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, meal-prepping for busy mornings, or simply indulging in a weekend treat, these breakfast cinnamon rolls will make every morning feel just a little more special.
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Ingredients
The Dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Active dry yeast
- Salt
- Warm milk (110°F-115°F)
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Large eggs, room temperature
- Vanilla extract
The Cinnamon Filling:
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Brown sugar, packed
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg (optional)
The Classic Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream cheese, softened
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Milk (if needed to adjust consistency)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Activating the Yeast :
- Warm the milk to 110°F-115°F (slightly warm to touch, not hot)
- Add 1 teaspoon of the sugar to the warm milk
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy and fragrant
- If the yeast doesn't foam, it may be inactive - start over with fresh yeast
Making the Dough :
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 cups of the flour
- Remaining sugar
- Salt
- Add to the flour mixture:
- Activated yeast mixture
- Melted butter (slightly cooled)
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Mix until well combined, either with:
- Stand mixer with dough hook on medium speed
- Wooden spoon if mixing by hand
- Gradually add remaining flour until dough forms
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until:
- Smooth and elastic
- Slightly tacky but not sticky
- Dough springs back when poked
First Rise :
- Place dough in a lightly greased large bowl
- Cover with clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Let rise in warm place (75°F-85°F) for 60-90 minutes
- Dough should double in size
Preparing the Filling :
- In a medium bowl, mix together:
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg (if using
- Set aside
- Have softened butter ready for spreading
Shaping the Rolls :
- Punch down dough to release air bubbles
- On lightly floured surface, roll dough into:
- 18x12 inch rectangle
- Approximately ¼ inch thick
- Spread softened butter evenly to edges
- Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly
- Starting from long edge, roll tightly:
- Keep roll even and firm
- Don't roll too tight or centers will pop up
- Cut into 12 equal pieces:
- Use sharp knife or unflavored dental floss
- Each piece should be about 1.5 inches wide
Second Rise :
- Prepare 9x13 inch baking pan:
- Grease well with butter or cooking spray
- Line with parchment paper (optional)
- Arrange rolls in pan:
- Place cut side up
- Leave space between rolls
- Cover and let rise:
- 45-60 minutes
- Until doubled and touching
Baking :
- Preheat oven to 350°F Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until:
- Golden brown on top
- Internal temperature reaches 190°F
- Center roll springs back when touched
Making Cream Cheese Frosting :
- Beat together until smooth:
- Softened cream cheese
- Softened butter
- Gradually add:
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Adjust consistency with milk if needed
Finishing :
- Let rolls cool for 5-10 minutes
- Apply frosting:
- While still warm for melty frosting
- When cooled for thicker topping
- Step 1 : Activating the Yeast
Foam yeast with warm milk and sugar, ensuring yeast is active.
- Stp 2 : Making the Dough
Combine yeast, flour, and other ingredients, kneading into smooth, elastic dough.
- Step 3 : First Rise
Let dough rise in a greased bowl until doubled in size.
- Step 4 : Preparing the Filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; soften butter for spreading.
- Step 5 : Shaping the Rolls
Spread dough with butter and cinnamon-sugar, roll tightly, and cut into sections.
- Step 6 : Second Rise
Arrange rolls in a pan, cover, and let rise until touching.
- Step 7 : Baking
Bake rolls until golden brown, checking for an internal temperature of 190°F.
- Step 8 : Making Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla into a smooth frosting.
- Step 9 : Finishing
Spread frosting on warm rolls for a melty finish or cooled rolls for a thicker topping.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Whisk
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook (optional)
- Rolling Pin
- Knife or Dough Cutter
- Pastry Brush
- Baking Dish or Pan
- Plastic Wrap or Kitchen Towel
- Oven
- Cooling Rack
- Spatula or Spoon
Storage
- Room Temperature: 2 days in airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (unbaked or baked)
- Reheat: 30 seconds in microwave or 10 minutes in 300°F oven
Warm Mornings, Sweet Memories: The Story Behind Breakfast Cinnamon Rolls
Some of my fondest childhood memories begin with the scent of warm cinnamon and butter drifting through the house on lazy weekend mornings. My mother would wake up early, quietly kneading the dough while the rest of us were still wrapped in blankets. By the time we stumbled into the kitchen, still half-asleep, she’d be pulling a tray of golden, pillowy cinnamon rolls from the oven—their swirls of cinnamon sugar glistening under a drizzle of sweet glaze.
There was something special about those mornings, about how a simple homemade cinnamon roll could turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Now, every time I make them, I feel that same warmth, that same sense of home and comfort. The best part? The dough can be prepped the night before, making mornings just as effortless as they are delicious. Because sometimes, the best way to start the day is with a freshly baked roll, a hot cup of coffee, and a moment to savor the simple joys of homemade goodness.
FAQ
Why are my cinnamon rolls not fluffy?
There are a few common reasons why breakfast cinnamon rolls may not rise as expected. The most frequent culprits include old or inactive yeast, under-proofing, or insufficient kneading. To ensure a successful rise, always check that your yeast is fresh and activated—it should foam when mixed with warm liquid and sugar. Additionally, allow the dough to double in size during both proofing stages. If the kitchen is too cold, the dough may take longer to rise, so placing it in a warm, draft-free environment can help. Kneading the dough properly also plays a crucial role in developing gluten, which gives the rolls their light, fluffy texture.
Which flour is best for cinnamon rolls?
For the best results, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Bread flour contains a higher protein content (11-13%), which allows for better gluten development. This results in a chewier, more structured dough that holds its shape and rises beautifully. While all-purpose flour can still work, it tends to produce softer, less structured cinnamon rolls. If you prefer extra fluffy, bakery-style breakfast cinnamon rolls, bread flour is the way to go!
Why pour heavy cream over cinnamon rolls?
Adding heavy cream to cinnamon rolls before baking is a game-changer! As the rolls bake, the cream seeps into the dough, filling in any gaps and creating a rich, caramel-like sauce at the bottom of the pan. This technique makes the rolls extra moist, gooey, and indulgent, preventing them from drying out. The result is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with an irresistible, slightly sticky center—exactly what you want in a perfect breakfast cinnamon roll!
What is the secret ingredient in Cinnabon cinnamon rolls?
Cinnabon’s famous cinnamon rolls have a unique flavor and texture, thanks to a few key ingredients. Instead of butter, they use margarine, which helps create their signature soft, pillowy dough. Another secret is their use of Makara cinnamon, a special variety sourced from Indonesia that has a stronger, sweeter, and more aromatic flavor than regular cinnamon. Finally, their rich, creamy frosting is made with cream cheese and vanilla extract, adding a smooth, tangy contrast to the sweet, spiced rolls. While homemade cinnamon rolls can come close, these elements give Cinnabon its unmistakable taste!
Treat Yourself to the Perfect Breakfast Cinnamon Rolls!
There’s truly nothing better than waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked breakfast cinnamon rolls! With their gooey centers, buttery layers, and sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, these rolls are the ultimate homemade indulgence that turns any morning into something special. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday brunch, treating family on a cozy weekend, or just craving a little extra sweetness, these soft, melt-in-your-mouth rolls are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy them fresh from the oven for the perfect balance of warm spices and rich frosting—because let’s be honest, there’s no better way to start the day! Don’t forget to snap a photo of your delicious creation and share your feedback—we’d love to see your take on this classic recipe!
Craving more cinnamon goodness? Try our Classic Cinnamon Cookies Recipe for another sweet and spiced treat, or check out our No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe for an easy, satisfying snack!
👉 Try our Classic Cinnamon Cookies Recipe!
👉 Check out our No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Cinnamon Rolls recipe:
Best Breakfast Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Stand Mixer with Dough Hook (optional)
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Knife or Dough Cutter
- 1 Pastry Brush
- 1 Baking Dish or Pan
- 1 Plastic Wrap or Kitchen Towel
- 1 Oven
- 1 Cooling rack
- 1 Spatula or Spoon
Ingredients
The Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F-115°F)
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
The Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
The Classic Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (1 package)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed to adjust consistency)
Instructions
STEP 1: Activate the Yeast
- Warm milk to 110°F-115°F
- Add 1 teaspoon sugar and yeast to milk
- Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy
STEP 2: Make the Dough
- Mix 2 cups flour, remaining sugar, and salt
- Add yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, vanilla
- Mix until combined
- Gradually add remaining flour until soft dough forms
- Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic
STEP 3: First Rise
- Place in greased bowl
- Cover with towel
- Let rise 60-90 minutes until doubled
STEP 4: Make Filling & Shape
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg
- Roll dough to 18x12 inch rectangle
- Spread softened butter
- Sprinkle with cinnamon mixture
- Roll tightly from long edge
- Cut into 12 equal pieces
STEP 5: Second Rise
- Place rolls in greased 9x13 pan
- Cover, let rise 45-60 minutes
- Preheat oven to 350°F
STEP 6: Bake
- Bake 25-30 minutes until golden
- Cool 5-10 minutes
STEP 7: Frost
- Beat cream cheese, butter until smooth
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla
- Spread on warm rolls
Kera S says
Great, easy to follow recipe! Delicious rolls! My family loves them and I had my boys (8 & 10) help with the process.
Viola says
That’s so wonderful to hear dear Kera; I love that your boys joined in too! Nothing better than baking as a family. So glad everyone enjoyed the rolls! 🥰