Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
By Mark Brenneman on December 24, 2025
Overview
Classic homemade cinnamon rolls with a simple vanilla glaze. This recipe makes soft, fluffy rolls perfect for weekend breakfast or brunch.
Adapted from Love and Lemons.
Ingredients
Dough
- ½ cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon + ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup melted butter, plus extra for brushing
- ½ cup milk (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons cinnamon
Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Grease an 8x11 or 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mix warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a bowl. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, milk, ⅓ cup sugar, and salt
- Stir in the yeast mixture
- Add flour and mix. Knead 3-4 minutes until smooth
- Place in a buttered bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled
Make the Rolls
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl
- Roll dough into a 20x14-inch rectangle on a floured surface
- Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture, leaving ½ inch border
- Roll tightly from short end into a log
- Slice into 12 rolls
- Place cut-side up in baking dish, cover, and let rise 1 hour
Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Bake uncovered 25-30 minutes until lightly golden
- Cool 10 minutes
Make the Glaze
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth
- Drizzle over warm rolls
Notes
- Make sure water is 110°F for yeast activation
- Room temperature milk is important for proper rising
- Can substitute cream cheese frosting for the glaze
