A tray of freshly baked cinnamon rolls out of the oven fills the kitchen with a sweet, cosy aroma, the kind that drifts through the house and pulls everyone in like a silent invitation. For a home cook like me, cinnamon rolls are more than just a treat; they’re a ritual. They are the sort of bake that demands a little patience, a good sprinkle of tenderness, and a whole lot of joy. And once they’re crowned with that thick swirl of creamy white icing, they become the very definition of comfort.
Cinnamon rolls have a way of making any day feel special. Perhaps that’s because they sit at the crossroads of nostalgia and indulgence. Even if you didn’t grow up with them, the moment you take a bite—soft dough giving way to buttery cinnamon—something inside you softens. There’s a reason these spirals of sweetness have become famous around the world. They’ve travelled from Scandinavian origins to American bakeries, café counters, Christmas morning plates, and now home kitchens everywhere. And along the way, they’ve picked up stories, traditions, and personal touches from anyone who has ever rolled, sliced, and baked them.
For me, the joy begins long before the tray goes into the oven. It’s in the feel of the dough beneath my palms—stretchy, alive, and just a bit clingy. It’s in the rich, spicy perfume of cinnamon mixed with brown sugar, which has a way of promising warmth even before any heat is applied. There’s something satisfyingly simple about shaping cinnamon rolls too. Rolling the dough into a neat rectangle feels almost therapeutic, especially when you know that what comes next is one of the most iconic baking moments: that perfect swirl.
Once the dough is filled, rolled, and sliced into rounds, the tray looks like a little village of spirals waiting to rise. And rise they do, puffing up softly, turning into plump, cloud-like scrolls. Watching them expand feels like witnessing a tiny transformation—one that somehow always feels surprising, even when you’ve made them dozens of times. That’s part of the charm of cinnamon rolls: even though you know exactly what will happen, the process never loses its magic.
And then comes the icing. Let’s be honest: cinnamon rolls are lovely on their own, but the icing is what elevates them from “nice pastry” to “world famous delight.” Thick white icing, spread generously while the rolls are still warm, becomes glossy and luscious. It slowly melts into the grooves of the swirl, soaking into the edges and settling into little pockets of sweetness. The contrast of warm roll and cool icing is one of those small life pleasures that never grows old. There’s no such thing as too much here—this is an area where generosity pays off.
Serving them is an event in itself. Whether you line them up on a platter for guests or sneak one straight from the tray with a fork (no judgement here), they bring instant joy. They are the kind of treat that makes people smile before they even take a bite. And when they do? That first mouthful—soft dough, melting icing, buttery cinnamon—usually ends with someone saying, “Oh wow.”
Cinnamon rolls also have a way of fitting beautifully into all sorts of occasions. They shine at brunches, cosy afternoons, holiday mornings, and those moments when you simply need a little cheer. Make them for guests and they’ll think you’ve put in hours of effort. Make them for yourself and you’ll feel like you’ve gifted your own day something special. They are generous bakes, made for sharing, but also perfect for savouring quietly with a hot drink in hand.
What I love most, though, is how cinnamon rolls bring people together. I’ve seen family members hover impatiently around the oven. I’ve watched friends’ eyes light up at the sight of that thick white icing spiralled across the tops. Baking them is a gesture of warmth; eating them is an act of happiness. And somehow, no matter the weather, they make the world feel just a little softer.
So, the next time you’re craving comfort or looking to create a moment that feels like a hug in pastry form, consider the humble yet world-famous cinnamon roll. They might be simple, but their charm is mighty. And trust me—the swirl, the spice, and that glorious icing never disappoint.
Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients:
- 500 g strong white bread flour
- 7 g yeast fast acting
- 75 g caster sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 250 ml warm milk
- 75 g unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg free range
Filling Ingredients:
- 125 g soft light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 75 g unsalted butter softened
Icing Ingredients:
- 150 g icing sugar
- 2 tbsp cream cheese optional for richness
- 2 tbsp milk as needed
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt (keeping the salt away from the yeast at first).500 g strong white bread flour, 7 g yeast, 75 g caster sugar, 1 tsp salt
- Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg.250 ml warm milk, 75 g unsalted butter, 1 large egg
- Mix until the dough comes together, then knead for 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5 minutes using a mixer) until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and leave to rise for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine the soft brown sugar and cinnamon.125 g soft light brown sugar, 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Ensure the butter is soft enough to spread easily.
Shape the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, turn it onto a floured surface.
- Roll it out into a rectangle roughly 35 × 45 cm.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, right to the edges.75 g unsalted butter
- Scatter the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
- Cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss for neat edges.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased baking tin, leaving a little space between each.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F.
- Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Allow them to cool slightly while you prepare the icing.
Making the Icing:
- Mix icing sugar, cream cheese, vanilla, and enough milk to form a thick, smooth icing.150 g icing sugar, 2 tbsp cream cheese, 2 tbsp milk, ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Spread generously over the warm rolls, letting it melt slightly into the swirls.
Serve:
- Enjoy the Cinnamon Rolls warm for the softest, gooeyness texture, or allow to cool fully for a firmer icing finish.
22 comments
The dough came out beautifully tender and the icing was spot on.
Very tasty, though next time I might lighten the icing as it was a bit rich for my liking.
I never tire of eating these. Thank you.
Really enjoyed them, although I felt the portion size was a bit big for one sitting.
Absolutely delicious—sweet, warm, and comforting, though I wish the icing had been a touch thicker.
The perfect weekend bake: indulgent, comforting, and wonderfully aromatic.
One of the best treats I’ve ever made at home; soft, gooey, and irresistible.
A wonderful recipe that creates pillowy rolls with a perfect touch of sweetness.
The icing melted beautifully into the rolls, though I found mine baked a little quicker than expected.
Perfectly balanced cinnamon and sugar—my family devoured them within minutes.
These cinnamon rolls filled my whole kitchen with the most amazing smell and tasted even better than they looked.
Lovely texture and flavour but they were a bit too sweet for me personally.
A truly delightful bake that reminded me of a cosy café treat.
The rolls were beautifully swirled and the flavour was warm and comforting.
Lovely cinnamon aroma and a soft centre, though I needed to bake them a few minutes longer.
Tasty and satisfying, though I would’ve preferred a slightly stronger cinnamon kick.
Great flavour and texture, but mine rose so much they stuck together—still tasted fantastic though.
The rolls were soft, warm, and absolutely heavenly straight from the oven.
Everyone who tried one said they were the best cinnamon rolls they’d ever had.
Delicious overall but next time I might add raisins or nuts for extra bite.
The cinnamon rolls were incredibly soft and fluffy with a gorgeous icing swirl that made them feel bakery-quality.
The icing made these incredible—sweet, creamy, and absolutely moreish.