Baked

Baked Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Baked Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, lukewarm; 1 large egg, beaten; 1/2 cup (60g) cinnamon sugar; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnuts, optional; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

By Priya Aldridge · June 19, 2026 · Baked

Prep20 min

Cook18 min

Total60 min

Serves12

I still remember the first time I made Baked Cinnamon Rolls from scratch. It was a Sunday morning, and the whole house was filled with the most incredible aroma of sweet, buttery dough and cinnamon. My family and I devoured the entire batch in one sitting, and from that day on, I was hooked on making these delicious treats.

As a home cook, I love that Baked Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for both slow mornings and quick weekday breakfasts. They're easy to make ahead of time, and they freeze beautifully, so you can have a fresh batch ready to go whenever you need it.

What makes this recipe special is the combination of a simple, yeasty dough and a generous amount of cinnamon sugar filling. The result is a soft, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful pastry that's sure to become a favorite in your household.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves baking, whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook. The steps are easy to follow, and the ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy breakfast recipe to add to your repertoire, look no further than these Baked Cinnamon Rolls. With their sweet, buttery flavor and soft, fluffy texture, they're sure to become a staple in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They're easy to make ahead of time and freeze beautifully.
They're perfect for both slow mornings and quick weekday breakfasts.
They have a delicious, sweet, and buttery flavor.
They're soft, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful.
They're a great way to start the day with a delicious and satisfying breakfast.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Baked Cinnamon Rolls is to use a combination of yeast and sugar to help the dough rise. The yeast ferments the sugars in the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas bubbles that get trapped in the dough, causing it to rise.

Another important factor is the use of a warm, draft-free place to let the dough rise. This helps the yeast to activate and the dough to rise evenly, resulting in a light and airy texture.

The cinnamon sugar filling is also crucial, as it adds a rich, sweet flavor to the rolls. By using a generous amount of cinnamon sugar, you'll get a delicious and aromatic filling that's sure to please.

Finally, the baking process is important, as it helps to cook the rolls evenly and gives them a golden-brown color. By baking the rolls at a moderate temperature, you'll get a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious Baked Cinnamon Rolls, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including flour, sugar, yeast, and cinnamon. You'll also need some butter, eggs, and milk to help the dough come together and give it a rich, creamy flavor.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items, such as fresh yeast and real cinnamon. This will help to ensure that your rolls have the best possible flavor and texture.

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flourThis is the main ingredient in the dough, providing structure and texture to the rolls. Make sure to choose a high-quality all-purpose flour that is fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugarThis adds sweetness to the dough and helps to feed the yeast, promoting fermentation and rise. You can also use brown sugar or honey if you prefer a slightly different flavor.
1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, meltedThis helps to enrich the dough and give it a tender, flaky texture. Make sure to use high-quality butter that is fresh and has a good flavor.
1/2 teaspoon active dry yeastThis is the ingredient that makes the dough rise, producing carbon dioxide gas bubbles that get trapped in the dough and cause it to expand. Make sure to use fresh yeast that is still active and has not expired.
1/2 teaspoon saltThis helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar and adds depth to the flavor of the rolls. Use a high-quality salt that is fresh and has a good flavor.
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, lukewarmThis helps to hydrate the dough and give it a tender, creamy texture. Make sure to use whole milk that is fresh and has not been sitting in the fridge for too long.
1 large egg, beatenThis helps to enrich the dough and give it a rich, creamy flavor. Make sure to use a fresh egg that is still within its expiration date.
1/2 cup (60g) cinnamon sugarThis is the filling that gives the rolls their delicious, sweet, and spicy flavor. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon to your taste, and also add other spices such as nutmeg or cardamom if you prefer.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnuts, optionalThese add a nice texture and flavor to the rolls, but you can omit them if you prefer. Make sure to choose fresh walnuts that are still crunchy and have a good flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamonThis adds a warm, spicy flavor to the rolls and helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar. Make sure to use high-quality cinnamon that is fresh and has a good flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlMeasuring cups and spoonsElectric mixerDough whiskRolling pinBaking sheetInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Baked Cinnamon Rolls

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and yeast. Whisk to combine, making sure to break up any lumps in the yeast.
2
Add the melted butter, salt, and lukewarm milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, using a dough whisk or a wooden spoon.
3
Add the beaten egg to the dough and mix until it is fully incorporated. The dough should start to come together and form a ball.
4
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use an electric mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough.
5
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
7
On a floured surface, roll out the risen dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6mm).
8
In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon sugar and chopped walnuts (if using). Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5cm) border around the edges.
9
Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side. Cut the log into 12-15 equal pieces.
10
Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5cm) of space between each roll. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.
11
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Check the internal temperature of the rolls with an instant-read thermometer, which should read 190-200°F (88-93°C).
12
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving. You can glaze the rolls with a simple powdered sugar glaze or a cream cheese frosting, if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh yeast and real cinnamon, to get the best flavor and texture.
Don't overmix the dough, as this can lead to a tough and dense final product.
Let the dough rise for the full 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size, to get the best texture and flavor.
Use a gentle touch when rolling out the dough and cutting the rolls, to avoid developing the gluten and making the rolls tough.
If you want to make the rolls ahead of time, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the rolls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Simply thaw the frozen rolls and bake them in the oven when you're ready.
To get a crispy exterior and a soft interior, make sure to bake the rolls at the right temperature and for the right amount of time. You can also try baking the rolls in a convection oven for a crisper exterior.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the dough, which can lead to a tough and dense final product.
Not letting the dough rise for the full 1-2 hours, which can result in a dense and flat final product.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh yeast and real cinnamon, which can affect the flavor and texture of the rolls.
Not baking the rolls at the right temperature and for the right amount of time, which can result in a burnt or undercooked final product.
Not letting the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving, which can cause them to break apart and lose their shape.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, to give the rolls a slightly different flavor.
Add some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Use a different type of spice, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to give the rolls a unique flavor.
Try using a different type of flour, such as whole wheat or rye, to give the rolls a nuttier flavor.
Make a cream cheese frosting or a powdered sugar glaze to top the rolls with, for an extra-special treat.

What to Serve With Baked Cinnamon Rolls

These Baked Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for serving at breakfast or brunch, and they're also a great snack or dessert. You can serve them on their own, or with a variety of toppings such as cream cheese frosting, powdered sugar glaze, or fresh fruit.

Some other ideas for serving the rolls include:

- With a cup of coffee or tea, for a delicious breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.

- With a side of fresh fruit or yogurt, for a healthy and satisfying snack.

- With a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, for a sweet and indulgent treat.

Serve with a cup of coffee or teaServe with a side of fresh fruit or yogurtServe with a drizzle of honey or maple syrupServe with a cream cheese frosting or powdered sugar glaze

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the Baked Cinnamon Rolls, you can keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days, or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze them for up to 2 months.

To freeze the rolls, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.

To thaw the frozen rolls, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours, or thaw them in the microwave or oven. You can also thaw the rolls overnight in the fridge and then bake them in the morning.

To reheat the rolls, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes, or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. You can also toast the rolls in a toaster or toaster oven for a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of flour should I use for the dough?

You can use all-purpose flour, bread flour, or a combination of the two. All-purpose flour will give you a tender and soft roll, while bread flour will give you a chewier and more dense roll.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. However, you will need to activate the yeast in warm water before adding it to the dough, and you may need to adjust the amount of yeast and the rising time.

How long can I store the rolls at room temperature?

You can store the rolls at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, it's best to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.

Can I freeze the rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the rolls. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How do I thaw the frozen rolls?

You can thaw the frozen rolls by leaving them at room temperature for a few hours, or by thawing them in the microwave or oven. You can also thaw the rolls overnight in the fridge and then bake them in the morning.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Simply prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the rolls and store them in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to bake them.

What is the best way to reheat the rolls?

You can reheat the rolls by baking them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes, or by microwaving them for 10-15 seconds. You can also toast the rolls in a toaster or toaster oven for a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

Can I make the rolls in a convection oven?

Yes, you can make the rolls in a convection oven. Simply reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) and bake the rolls for a shorter amount of time. This will help to prevent the rolls from overcooking and will give you a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

The Full Recipe

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