Make these easy cinnamon rolls to make every day a special occasion. They come out fluffy, sweet and topped with buttercream frosting!

These soft, gooey cinnamon rolls are surprisingly simple to make — no mixer or fancy tools required! Perfect for cozy mornings or weekend baking, they’re the kind of homemade treat that looks impressive but takes hardly any effort.

Cinnamon rolls are one of those desserts that I always wanted to make, but kept putting off because they seemed like way too much work. Mixing, rolling, rising, slicing, baking…and then the frosting?

So, when I finally made a batch, I was surprised to discover they’re actually super simple! When I took my first bite of these buttery, sugary rolls, I couldn’t believe I ever thought they were a lot of work. Because they aren’t.

And now I’m going to share this easy recipe with you! Oh, and I used my buttercream frosting recipe on them. This recipe is right in the FREE e-Book The Sweet Six – get your copy right away!

The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

There is always a reason to make homemade cinnamon rolls. Maybe you want to make something special for your kid’s birthday breakfast. Maybe you need to make something for a bake sale.

Or maybe you’re just craving Cinnabon and wonder if you can make a copycat at home (yes, you can).

This recipe is perfect. It’s the all-occassion, never-fail, easy recipe you’ve been looking for. If you’re a beginning baker, I’ll hold your hand through every step. And at the end, you’ll have fluffy cinnamon rolls that outperform the mall version.

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Cinnamon Rolls With Just One Rise

If you browse Secret Crunch, you’ll discover that I love making homemade recipes, but I also like things that I can make quickly. And waiting for cinnamon rolls to rise isn’t exactly quick.

Thankfully, I only had to let them rise once.

One time is all you need! After they rise that first (and only) time, they’re ready to bake!

How long does it take cinnamon rolls to rise? They need to set until they double in size. This might take anywhere from 60-90 minutes (and you can speed up the time by setting them in a warmer place.

Best Frosting For Cinnamon Rolls

My buttercream frosting from the Sweet Six is my favorite frosting of all time. It has simple ingredients (that you probably already have on-hand), and it tastes delicious on any baked dessert.

Plus, I even share in the Sweet Six how you can change that recipe up! For these cinnamon rolls, you could sprinkle more cinnamon on top, or make a peanut butter buttercream frosting.

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Easy Cinnamon Rolls?

There are two parts to this recipe – the dough and the filling. Here is what you need for both of them.

Dough:

Milk
Granulated Sugar
Yeast
Butter
Cinnamon
Eggs
All-Purpose Flour
Salt

Filling

Butter
Sugar
Brown Sugar
Cinnamon

Frosting

Use my buttercream frosting recipe when you download my FREE e-book, The Sweet Six)

To get the specific measurements, scroll down to the recipe card and you can either copy and paste it, screenshot, or print out the card itself!

Cinnamon rolls freshly baked out of the oven

Simple Homemade Cinnamon Roll Tips

Use a thermometer to make sure your milk reaches 105 degrees F (40 degrees C). If it’s too hot or far too cold, the yeast won’t activate correctly.

To help the dough rise faster, cover it with a towel and set the cinnamon rolls on top of your stove while the oven is on. This will create a warm environment that will encourage it to work.

Don’t forget to add flour to your table and rolling pin. This dough is very sticky!

How Long Will Cinnamon Rolls Last?

To store the cinnamon rolls, keep them in an airtight container or resealable plastic food storage bag. Keep unfrosted rolls at room temperature and frosted ones in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week.

You can freeze the cinnamon rolls, too. Wrap the cinnamon rolls – without frosting – in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to six months.

How To Make Cinnamon Rolls

Begin by warming the milk to about 105 degrees F (40 degrees C) and mixing in 1 tbsp sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes for yeast to bloom.

Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl.

Add yeast and milk mixture, followed by melted butter and eggs.

Using a stand mixer with the hook attachment, mix until the dough forms and allow it to mix for an additional 5 minutes.

Allow the dough to rise for one hour.

As the dough rises, mix together the center filling: butter, granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 2 tsp cinnamon.

Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.

Turn out the risen dough and gently press it into a rough rectangle with your hands first.

Use a rolling pin to roll with even pressure from the center outward, rotating occasionally to keep it from sticking.

Black rolling pin rolling out cinnamon roll dough

Adding filling to the center of rolled out dough

Aim for about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick and a rectangle roughly 16 x 12 inches (40 x 30 cm).

Spread your filling in the center portion, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of brown sugar and 3 tsp of cinnamon all over the rolled out dough.

Rolling cinnamon roll dough and its filling into a log

Starting on the shorter side, start to roll your dough into a log. Cut into eight even pieces.

Place on a baking pan and cover with a cloth. Allow to rise for 30 minutes.

Bake in a 350-degree oven for 20-25 minutes.

Allow to set for 5 to 10 minutes and top off with your favorite buttercream icing.