{"id":23481,"date":"2026-03-02T16:30:32","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T23:30:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.grandpacooks.com\/recipes\/?p=23481"},"modified":"2026-04-18T10:53:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T17:53:51","slug":"easy-cinnamon-rolls-from-scratch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.grandpacooks.com\/recipes\/easy-cinnamon-rolls-from-scratch\/","title":{"rendered":"Easy Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"tasty-recipes-entry-header\">\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-header-content clearfix\">\n<h2 class=\"tasty-recipes-title\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"h2-color.color h2-transform.text-transform\">Easy Cinnamon Rolls (from scratch)<\/h2>\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-rating\">\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-rating-outer\">\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-rating-inner\"><span class=\"tasty-recipes-rating-label\"><span class=\"rating-label\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-label-color.color\"><span class=\"average\">4.7<\/span> from <span class=\"count\">945<\/span> reviews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-details\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"author\"><span class=\"tasty-recipes-label\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-label-color.color\"> Author:<\/span> <a class=\"tasty-recipes-author-name\" href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/about-sally-mckenney\/\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-value-color.color\">Sally McKenney<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"prep-time\"><span class=\"tasty-recipes-label\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-label-color.color\"> Prep Time:<\/span> <span class=\"tasty-recipes-prep-time\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-value-color.color\">1 hour, 40 minutes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"cook-time\"><span class=\"tasty-recipes-label\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-label-color.color\"> Cook Time:<\/span> <span class=\"tasty-recipes-cook-time\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-value-color.color\">25 minutes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"total-time\"><span class=\"tasty-recipes-label\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-label-color.color\"> Total Time:<\/span> <span class=\"tasty-recipes-total-time\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-value-color.color\">2 hours, 5 minutes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"yield\"><span class=\"tasty-recipes-label\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-label-color.color\"> Yield:<\/span> <span class=\"tasty-recipes-yield\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"detail-value-color.color\">10-12 rolls<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-entry-content\">\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-description\">\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-description-body\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"body-color.color\">\n<p><em>These easy cinnamon rolls are perfect for yeast beginners because they only require 1 rise. You have a few options for toppings. The recipe below includes a simple cream cheese icing, but we also love these with the coffee icing or vanilla icing that\u2019s included in the recipe Notes below.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-ingredients\">\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-ingredients-header\">\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-ingredients-clipboard-container\">\n<h3 data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"h3-color.color h3-transform.text-transform\">Ingredients<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-units-scale-container\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-ingredients-body\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"body-color.color\">\n<h4>Dough<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-amount=\"2\">2<\/span> and 3\/4 cups (<span data-amount=\"344\" data-unit=\"g\">344g<\/span>) <strong>all-purpose flour <\/strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/how-to-measure-baking-ingredients\/\">spooned &amp; leveled<\/a>), plus more as needed<\/li>\n<li><span data-amount=\"0.25\" data-unit=\"cup\">1\/4 cup<\/span> (<span data-amount=\"50\" data-unit=\"g\">50g<\/span>) <strong>granulated sugar<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><span data-amount=\"0.5\" data-unit=\"teaspoon\">1\/2 teaspoon<\/span> <strong>salt<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><span data-amount=\"0.75\" data-unit=\"cup\">3\/4 cup<\/span> (180ml) <strong>whole milk<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><span data-amount=\"3\" data-unit=\"tablespoon\">3 Tablespoons<\/span> (<span data-amount=\"43\" data-unit=\"g\">43g<\/span>) <strong>unsalted butter<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><span data-amount=\"2\">2<\/span> and 1\/4 teaspoons <strong>Platinum Yeast from Red Star<\/strong> or any instant yeast <em>(<span data-amount=\"1\">1<\/span> standard packet)<\/em><\/li>\n<li><span data-amount=\"1\">1<\/span> large <strong>egg<\/strong>, at room temperature<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Filling<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-amount=\"3\" data-unit=\"tablespoon\">3 Tablespoons<\/span> (<span data-amount=\"43\" data-unit=\"g\">43g<\/span>) <strong>unsalted butter<\/strong>, extra softened<\/li>\n<li><span data-amount=\"0.33333333333333\" data-unit=\"cup\">1\/3 cup<\/span> (<span data-amount=\"67\" data-unit=\"g\">67g<\/span>) packed light or dark <strong>brown sugar<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><span data-amount=\"1\" data-unit=\"tablespoon\">1 Tablespoon<\/span> <strong>ground cinnamon<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Cream Cheese Icing<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-amount=\"4\" data-unit=\"ounce\">4 ounces<\/span> (<span data-amount=\"113\" data-unit=\"g\">113g<\/span>) full-fat block <strong>cream cheese<\/strong>, softened to room temperature<\/li>\n<li><span data-amount=\"2\" data-unit=\"tablespoon\">2 Tablespoons<\/span> (<span data-amount=\"28\" data-unit=\"g\">28g<\/span>) <strong>unsalted butter<\/strong>, <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/room-temperature-butter\/\">softened to room temperature<\/a><\/li>\n<li><span data-amount=\"0.66666666666667\" data-unit=\"cup\">2\/3 cup<\/span> (<span data-amount=\"80\" data-unit=\"g\">80g<\/span>) <strong>confectioners\u2019 sugar<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><span data-amount=\"1\" data-unit=\"teaspoon\">1 teaspoon<\/span> <strong>pure<\/strong> <strong>vanilla extract<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"AdThrive_Native_Recipe_1\" class=\"adthrive-ad adthrive-native-recipe\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-instructions\">\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-instructions-header\">\n<h3 data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"h3-color.color h3-transform.text-transform\">Instructions<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-instructions-body\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"body-color.color\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li id=\"instruction-step-1\"><strong>Make the dough:<\/strong> Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.<\/li>\n<li id=\"instruction-step-2\">Combine the milk and butter together in a heatproof bowl. Microwave or use the stove and heat until the butter has melted and the mixture is warm to the touch (about 110\u00b0F\/43\u00b0C, no higher). Whisk in the yeast until it has dissolved. Pour mixture into the dry ingredients, add the egg, and stir with a sturdy rubber spatula or wooden spoon OR use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on medium speed. Mix until a soft dough forms.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li id=\"instruction-step-3\">Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Using floured hands, knead the dough for 3-5 minutes. You should have a smooth ball of dough. If the dough is super soft or sticky, you can add a little more flour. Place in a lightly greased bowl (I use non-stick spray), cover loosely, and let the dough rest for about 10 minutes as you get the filling ingredients ready.<\/li>\n<li id=\"instruction-step-4\"><strong>Fill the rolls:\u00a0<\/strong>After 10 minutes, roll the dough out in a 14\u00d78-inch (36\u00d720-cm) rectangle. Spread the softened butter on top. Mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar. Sprinkle it all over the dough. Roll up the dough to make a 14-inch log. Cut into 10\u201312 even rolls and arrange in a lightly greased 9- or 10-inch <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/314dpuZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">round cake pan<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2LJYp1w\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">pie dish<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/310AIWe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">square baking pan<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li id=\"instruction-step-5\"><strong>Rise:<\/strong> Cover the pan with aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the rolls to rise in a relatively warm environment for 60\u201390 minutes or until double in size. (For a tiny reduction in rise time, see my answer to <em>Where Should Dough Rise?<\/em>\u00a0in my\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-with-yeast\/\">Baking with Yeast Guide<\/a>.)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li id=\"instruction-step-6\"><strong>Bake the rolls:<\/strong> After the rolls have doubled in size, preheat the oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).\u00a0Bake for 24\u201327 minutes, or until lightly browned. If you notice the tops are getting too brown too quickly, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil and continue baking. If you want to be precise about their doneness, their internal temperature taken with an <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Q7vqmt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">instant read thermometer<\/a> should be around 195\u2013200\u00b0F (91\u201393\u00b0C) when done. Remove pan from the oven and place pan on a wire rack as you make the icing. (You can also make the icing as the rolls bake.)<\/li>\n<li id=\"instruction-step-7\"><strong>Make the icing:<\/strong> In a medium bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add the butter and beat until smooth and combined, then beat in the confectioners\u2019 sugar and vanilla until combined. Using a knife or icing spatula, spread the icing over the warm rolls and serve immediately.<\/li>\n<li id=\"instruction-step-8\">Cover leftover frosted or unfrosted rolls tightly and store at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-notes\">\n<h3 data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"h3-color.color h3-transform.text-transform\">Notes<\/h3>\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-notes-body\" data-tasty-recipes-customization=\"body-color.color\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Make Ahead Instructions:\u00a0<\/strong>This dough can\u00a0be made the night before through step 4.\u00a0Cover with plastic wrap and let rest in the refrigerator overnight.\u00a0The next morning, remove from the refrigerator and allow to\u00a0rise in a warm environment, about 1 hour. Continue with step 6.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Make Ahead Instructions \u2013 Freezing: <\/strong>You can freeze the rolls for up to 3 months, and I recommend a few different methods. The first method is to freeze them after shaping, before they rise (before step 5). Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let rise for 1.5\u20132 hours at room temperature before baking. The second method is to par-bake the risen rolls for 10 minutes, let cool completely, then cover and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. Finish baking at 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C) for around 15 minutes. You can also freeze fully baked rolls. See <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/how-to-freeze-cinnamon-rolls\/\">How to Freeze Cinnamon Rolls<\/a> for more details about all of these methods.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Special Tools<\/strong> (affiliate links): <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3OMbx3g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">Electric Stand Mixer<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3mPQvWq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">Glass Mixing Bowl<\/a> with <a href=\"https:\/\/rstyle.me\/+2pySoGFcnTR3zL6a9o61jQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">Silicone Spatula<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3mvebNN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">Wooden Spoon<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3INwcTU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">Rolling Pin<\/a> |\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/314dpuZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">9- inch Round Cake Pan<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2LJYp1w\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">9-inch Pie Dish<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/310AIWe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">9-inch Square Baking Pan<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Q7vqmt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">Instant Read Thermometer<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2gT7aW9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">Cooling Rack<\/a> | Electric Mixer (<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3W5TmJc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">Handheld<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3OMbx3g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">Stand<\/a>) for icing | <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3p6dhZQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">Icing Spatula<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Yeast:<\/strong> I highly recommend instant yeast. If you only have active dry yeast, you can use that instead. Active dry and instant yeast can be used interchangeably in recipes (1:1). Active dry yeast has a moderate rate of rising and instant dry yeast has a faster rate of rising; active dry yeast will take longer to raise the dough.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Milk:<\/strong> This recipe used to call for 1\/2 cup (120ml) milk and 1\/4 cup (60ml) water. The rolls taste much richer using all milk, and that is what I recommend. Whole milk or even buttermilk are ideal for this dough. If needed, you can substitute 3\/4 cup (180ml) lower-fat or nondairy milk.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Coffee Icing (or Vanilla Icing):<\/strong> Whisk 1 cup (120g) confectioners\u2019 sugar, 1\/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 2\u20133 Tablespoons (30\u201345ml) strong brewed coffee together until smooth. Or swap milk for coffee for regular vanilla icing. Drizzle over warm rolls.<\/li>\n<li>Reference my <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-with-yeast\/\">Baking with Yeast Guide<\/a> for answers to common yeast FAQs.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tasty-recipes-source-link\">\n<p><strong class=\"tasty-recipes-label\">Find it online<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/easy-cinnamon-rolls-from-scratch\/\">https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/easy-cinnamon-rolls-from-scratch\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Easy Cinnamon Rolls (from scratch) 4.7 from 945 reviews Author: Sally McKenney Prep Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 2 hours, 5 minutes Yield: 10-12 rolls These easy cinnamon rolls are perfect for yeast beginners because they only require 1 rise. You have a few options for toppings. The recipe &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grandpacooks.com\/recipes\/easy-cinnamon-rolls-from-scratch\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Easy Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,219,185],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23481","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-grandpas-private-collection","category-sallys-baking-addiction","category-third-party-material"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.grandpacooks.com\/recipes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23481","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.grandpacooks.com\/recipes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.grandpacooks.com\/recipes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.grandpacooks.com\/recipes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.grandpacooks.com\/recipes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23481"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.grandpacooks.com\/recipes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23481\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23482,"href":"https:\/\/www.grandpacooks.com\/recipes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23481\/revisions\/23482"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.grandpacooks.com\/recipes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.grandpacooks.com\/recipes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23481"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.grandpacooks.com\/recipes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}