Recipe: Easy Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

There’s something about fall that makes me want to bake. Maybe it’s the fact that I can hide my “baked goods belly” under sweaters and cardigans or maybe it’s the way baking brings the family together.

I’ve found that kids love baking because it gives them an excuse to use their hands and play with their food—completely understandable. They also seem to find a way to cover themselves in flour even when the recipe only calls for a pinch. 

I had fun making these easy cinnamon rolls from scratch when my nieces and nephews came to town last month. It kept them entertained and it made the house smell like fall goodness! These delicious rolls will definitely be making a comeback this holiday season.  

Print Recipe

Recipe: Easy Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

Prep Time

90 min

Cook Time

45 min

Servings

rolls

Ingredients

Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 4-ounce packet yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup scalded milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg

Filling

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup ground cinnamon

Icing

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• up to 6 teaspoons hot water

Prep Time 90 min Cook Time 45 min Servings rolls Ingredients Dough 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 4-ounce packet yeast 1/2 cup warm water 1/2 cup scalded milk 1/4 cup sugar 1/3 cup butter 1 teaspoon salt 1 egg Filling 3/4 cup sugar 2/3 cup melted butter 1/4 cup ground cinnamon Icing 4 tablespoons butter, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract up to 6 teaspoons hot water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside.
3. In a large bowl combine milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg. Add 2 cups of flour and mix until smooth. Add yeast mixture. Mix in remaining flour until dough is easy to handle.
4. Knead dough on lightly floured surface for 5 to 10 minutes. Place in well-greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, usually between 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
5. Knead doubled dough. Roll dough out on a floured surface into a 15 by 9-inch rectangle. Generously spread melted butter over dough. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over buttered dough, covering the entire rectangle. Beginning at the 15-inch side, roll up dough and pinch the ends together to create a seal. Cut into 12 slices.
6. Coat the bottom and sides of a baking pan with butter. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in the pan and let dough rise. Bake for about 40 minutes or until nicely browned.
7. In another bowl, mix butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Add hot water 1 tablespoon at a time until the glaze reaches desired consistency. Spread over warm rolls.

Share this Recipe