The Ultimate Comfort Bake: Soft Cinnamon Rolls

Everyone has a different idea of the most comforting smell in the world, but warm cinnamon has to be near the top of the list.

The moment cinnamon rolls go into the oven, the entire house fills with a sweet, cozy aroma that instantly makes everything feel warmer. Soft dough, rich cinnamon filling, and sweet glaze melting into every swirl turn these rolls into one of the most comforting homemade treats there is.

Whether served with coffee in the morning or enjoyed warm straight from the pan, these cinnamon rolls are the kind of bake people reach for again and again.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients for the Dough

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tbsp dry yeast
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup lukewarm milk
  (or water for a non-dairy version)
• 2 tbsp canola oil
• Pinch of salt

Cinnamon Filling

• 2 tbsp brown sugar or white sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp softened butter, margarine, or oil

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and sugar.

Add the egg, oil, and milk and knead by hand or with a mixer until a soft dough forms.

Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Spread the softened butter or oil over the dough and sprinkle evenly with the sugar and cinnamon.

Roll the dough tightly into a long log.

Slice into rolls about 1 inch thick.

Arrange the rolls in a baking pan with small spaces between them.

Cover and let rise for another 20 to 30 minutes.

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Frosting Options for Cinnamon Rolls

The rolls are delicious on their own, but adding frosting turns them into a true bakery style treat.

Rich Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 3.5 oz cream cheese
• 3.5 tbsp softened butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.

Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue mixing.

Slowly add milk until the frosting becomes soft and spreadable.

Spread over the warm cinnamon rolls so the frosting gently melts into the swirls.

Simple Sugar Glaze

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 10 tbsp boiling water
• Few drops vanilla extract, optional

Instructions

Combine the sugar, lemon juice, and boiling water in a small saucepan and stir until smooth and slightly thickened.

Add vanilla extract if desired.

Pour over the cinnamon rolls immediately after baking.

Warm, Sweet, and Impossible to Resist

Soft dough, buttery cinnamon filling, and sweet glaze make these cinnamon rolls one of those classic homemade treats that instantly make a house feel cozy.

Serve warm and enjoy every swirl.