My Grandmas Cinnamon Rolls

Grandma’s Classic Cinnamon Rolls: A Family Recipe Full of Love 🍞✨

There’s something truly special about a homemade cinnamon roll—warm, soft, and swirled with sweet cinnamon goodness. But when it’s Grandma’s recipe, it becomes more than just a treat; it’s a tradition. These classic cinnamon rolls have been a cherished part of my family for generations, filling our kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and butter.

Whether you're making these for a special weekend breakfast, a cozy holiday morning, or just because, this recipe is guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Fluffy: These cinnamon rolls have a pillowy texture that melts in your mouth.

• Rich and Buttery: A perfect balance of sweet cinnamon filling and soft dough.

• Family Tradition: Passed down through generations, these rolls are made with love.

• Perfect for Sharing: Whether for family brunch or a gift to friends, cinnamon rolls are always a hit.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup milk, warmed

• ½ cup melted butter

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 5 teaspoons yeast

• 3 eggs

• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup butter, softened (or melted)

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

For the Frosting (Two Ways!):

🍰 Classic Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

🍯 Simple Butter Glaze (My Favorite! 💕)

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• ½ cup warm milk

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• Measure with your heart vanilla and almond extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), whisk the warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and salt together. Sprinkle in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy.

2. Mix the Dough:

   • By Hand: Add the eggs and whisk until combined. Gradually stir in the flour, one cup at a time, until a sticky dough forms.

   • In a Stand Mixer: Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed, adding the eggs and gradually incorporating the flour.

3. Knead the Dough:

   • By Hand: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

   • In a Stand Mixer: Let the dough knead on low speed for about 10 minutes. Stop and let it rest for 2–3 minutes halfway through to give the gluten time to relax, then continue kneading.

4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a tea towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

1. Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until a smooth paste forms. Or, melt the butter and spread onto dough once rolled out, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

1. Roll it Out: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12x18 inches).

2. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

3. Roll it Up: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife , bench scraper (my favorite), or dental floss to cut the log into 12–15 rolls.

Step 4: Second Rise & Bake

1. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes.

2. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 5: Make the Frosting & Serve

1. For Classic Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk as needed for the desired consistency.

2. For My Favorite Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, warm milk, and powdered sugar until smooth. This simple glaze seeps into the rolls, making them extra gooey and delicious!

3. Frost the Rolls: Spread your chosen frosting over warm cinnamon rolls and let it melt into all the delicious swirls.

4. Enjoy! Serve warm and enjoy every bite of these soft, buttery, cinnamon-filled rolls.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls

• Use Warm Milk: If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast. It should be warm to the touch but not steaming.

• Let the Dough Rest While Kneading: If using a stand mixer, stop halfway through kneading and let the dough rest for 2–3 minutes before continuing. This helps the gluten relax and makes for a softer dough.

• Let the Dough Rise Fully: Don’t rush the rising process—it’s what makes these rolls extra soft and fluffy.

• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls the night before, cover them, and refrigerate. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

• For Extra Gooey Rolls: Pour warm heavy cream over the rolls before baking to make them even softer (Personally I find the rolls rich enough, but this is delicious).

• Choose Your Frosting: If you love a rich, creamy topping, go with the cream cheese frosting. But if you want something simple and buttery that melts right into the rolls, my favorite butter glaze is the way to go!

Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite

This cinnamon roll recipe is more than just a treat—it’s a tradition. Every time I make these, I think of my grandmother’s warm kitchen, the scent of cinnamon filling the air, and the joy of gathering around the table to enjoy something homemade.

Now, I hope this recipe brings as much warmth and happiness to your home as it has to mine.

If you make these cinnamon rolls, I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram @Weeknight_Homemaker and share your homemade baking moments.

Happy baking,

Lauren 💕

The Weeknight Homemaker