Here is the summary table for the 30 homemade cinnamon roll recipe
There are certain foods that do more than just nourish the body; they comfort the soul. A homemade cinnamon roll, warm from the oven and dripping with frosting, is the perfect example. The process itself, from kneading the soft dough to the incredible aroma that fills your home, is an act of love.
This collection of 30 from scratch recipes is all about capturing that feeling, offering timeless classics and heartfelt variations that promise a pillowy soft, gooey, and utterly comforting treat that tastes just like a warm hug.
The Classics That Started It All
These are the foundational recipes, the ones that feel like they came straight from a grandmother’s worn recipe card. They are timeless, reliable, and pure comfort.
1. The Ultimate Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
This is the secret to a stress free holiday morning. A slow, cold rise in the refrigerator allows the dough to develop a rich, complex flavor that is simply unbeatable.
DIY Tips:
- Let the rolls rest on the counter for about an hour before baking to take the chill off.
- The cold dough is firm and incredibly easy to roll out and slice cleanly.
- This method can be applied to most standard yeast dough recipes.
2. Old Fashioned Potato Dough Rolls
The vintage secret to the softest, most tender cinnamon roll is a scoop of leftover mashed potatoes in the dough. It creates a moist crumb that stays fresh for days.
DIY Tips:
- Use plain, unseasoned mashed potatoes for the best results.
- The dough will be slightly sticky due to the potato starch, so use a well floured surface for kneading.
- This technique creates a roll so soft it hardly needs any frosting.
3. Fluffy Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls
The gentle tang and tenderizing effect of buttermilk result in an exceptionally soft and pillowy roll that perfectly balances the sweetness of the frosting.
DIY Tips:
- Make your own buttermilk by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice to one cup of regular milk.
- Gently warm the buttermilk before adding it to your yeast mixture.
- A classic tangy cream cheese frosting is the perfect companion for these rolls.
4. Rich and Airy Brioche Rolls
This decadent dough is enriched with plenty of eggs and high quality butter, creating a roll with a light, feathery texture that pulls apart in beautiful layers.
DIY Tips:
- This dough is very soft. Chilling it for at least four hours or overnight is essential for it to be manageable.
- Use a good, high fat butter for the most luxurious and rich flavor.
- The flavor of the brioche is so good that a simple, light vanilla glaze is all you need.
5. Classic Cream Cheese Frosted Rolls
This is the iconic cinnamon roll. A soft, pillowy dough with a generous cinnamon swirl is slathered in a thick, tangy, and sweet cream cheese frosting.
DIY Tips:
- Use full fat, block style cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are fully softened to room temperature to avoid lumps.
- Spread the frosting on while the rolls are still warm so it melts into every crevice.
Heartwarming & Wholesome Variations
These recipes incorporate simple, pantry staple ingredients that add a rustic, hearty, and deeply comforting quality to the classic roll.
6. Wholesome Oatmeal Cinnamon Rolls
Adding old fashioned rolled oats to the dough creates a wonderfully chewy, hearty texture and a subtle, nutty flavor that feels extra comforting.
DIY Tips:
- For an even chewier texture, you can soak the oats in the warm milk for about 20 minutes before making the dough.
- These rolls are fantastic with the addition of plump raisins or dried cranberries to the filling.
- A maple infused glaze is a perfect match for the wholesome oat flavor.
7. Classic Raisin Swirl Rolls
A timeless addition, sweet and plump raisins are sprinkled over the cinnamon sugar filling, providing little bursts of flavor and a lovely chewy texture.
DIY Tips:
- Plump your raisins before using by soaking them in hot water for 15 minutes. Drain them well before using.
- For a more sophisticated flavor, soak the raisins in warm apple cider or a splash of rum.
- A simple glaze flavored with orange zest beautifully complements the raisins.
8. Toasted Walnut or Pecan Rolls
The buttery crunch of toasted nuts provides the perfect textural contrast to the soft, pillowy dough and gooey filling.
DIY Tips:
- Always toast your nuts in a dry skillet or in the oven before chopping them to bring out their deep, nutty flavor.
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the filling before rolling, and reserve some to sprinkle on top of the frosting.
- Pecans offer a sweeter flavor, while walnuts have a more robust, earthy taste.
9. Maple Pecan Rolls
A classic autumn combination, these rolls feature chopped pecans in the filling and a rich, sweet glaze made with pure maple syrup.
DIY Tips:
- Use a dark, robust grade of maple syrup for the most intense and authentic flavor.
- A sprinkle of crispy, crumbled bacon on top of the maple glaze is a delicious sweet and salty twist.
- Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra flavor.
10. Honey Bun Rolls
Inspired by the classic pastry, these rolls are often baked with a honey and nut mixture in the bottom of the pan and finished with a honey infused glaze.
DIY Tips:
- A simple honey butter, brushed on the rolls right out of the oven, is a delicious alternative to a traditional glaze.
- The type of honey you use, such as clover or wildflower, will subtly change the flavor.
- Honey can cause baked goods to brown faster, so keep a close eye on your rolls.
Cozy Fruit Filled Rolls
Incorporating fruit is a classic way to add natural sweetness and a touch of brightness to a warm, spiced roll.
11. Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
This is the ultimate comfort food hybrid, with tender, spiced apple chunks rolled right into the dough along with the cinnamon sugar.
DIY Tips:
- Finely dice a tart apple, like a Granny Smith, and cook it with a little butter and cinnamon until just tender before adding to the filling.
- A drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the cream cheese frosting makes these taste just like a caramel apple.
- A pinch of cardamom or apple pie spice in the filling will give it a more complex flavor.
12. Blueberry Rolls with a Lemon Glaze
A perfect treat for a special summer morning. Juicy blueberries burst during baking, creating jammy pockets of flavor that are perfectly complemented by a zesty lemon glaze.
DIY Tips:
- Gently toss fresh or frozen blueberries in a little flour before sprinkling over the filling to prevent the dough from getting soggy.
- The combination of blueberry and lemon is timeless for a reason; do not skip the fresh zest in the glaze.
- These are best enjoyed the same day they are made.
13. Cranberry Orange Rolls
A festive and beautiful combination, perfect for the holiday season. The tartness of fresh cranberries is wonderfully balanced by the bright sweetness of orange.
DIY Tips:
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped, for the best tart flavor.
- Infuse the dough itself by adding the zest of one whole orange to your wet ingredients.
- A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and fresh orange juice is the perfect finish.
14. Classic Orange Sweet Rolls
A beloved classic, these rolls swap cinnamon for a bright, sweet orange filling and are topped with a delicious orange infused glaze.
DIY Tips:
- For the filling, mix orange zest with sugar until it is fragrant and looks like damp sand.
- Use fresh squeezed orange juice in the glaze for the best, most authentic flavor.
- These are a wonderfully refreshing alternative to the traditional cinnamon roll.
15. Peach Cobbler Rolls
Capture the taste of a warm summer evening with these rolls, filled with tender, spiced peaches and topped with a buttery crumble for that authentic cobbler texture.
DIY Tips:
- You can use fresh or canned peaches, just be sure to drain them very well.
- A pinch of nutmeg in the filling beautifully complements the peach flavor.
- Serve these warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Decadent & Extra Special Rolls
For those moments that call for something truly indulgent, these rich and gooey rolls are guaranteed to feel like a special treat.
16. Gooey Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns
The ultimate gooey roll, these are baked upside down on a layer of homemade caramel and pecans, creating a built in, irresistible topping.
DIY Tips:
- Invert the pan onto a serving platter while the buns are still very warm to ensure the caramel releases cleanly.
- Toast your pecans before arranging them in the pan to deepen their nutty flavor.
- A splash of dark rum in the caramel sauce adds a wonderful depth.
17. Double Chocolate Rolls
For the true chocoholic, these rolls feature cocoa powder in the dough, a chocolate and cinnamon filling, and a rich, fudgy chocolate ganache topping.
DIY Tips:
- Use a high quality Dutch process cocoa powder for the richest, darkest chocolate flavor.
- A teaspoon of instant espresso powder in the dough or filling will intensify the chocolate notes.
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before rolling for a molten center.
18. Brown Butter Rolls with Flaky Sea Salt
The simple act of browning the butter for the filling and the frosting adds an incredible depth of nutty, toasted flavor that feels both rustic and sophisticated.
DIY Tips:
- Cook the butter until it foams and you see browned milk solids at the bottom of the pan, that is where the flavor is.
- Let the brown butter cool slightly so it does not melt the sugar in the filling too much.
- A generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the finished rolls is essential to balance the richness.
19. Nutella Swirled Rolls
A simple yet genius twist, a generous layer of creamy chocolate hazelnut spread is swirled into the dough for a universally loved flavor.
DIY Tips:
- Gently warm the Nutella for a few seconds in the microwave to make it easier to spread.
- Sprinkle toasted, chopped hazelnuts over the Nutella layer for a delightful crunch.
- These are so rich that they often only need a light dusting of powdered sugar.
20. Creamy Caramel Rolls
Instead of a sticky bun style, these rolls are baked first and then drenched in a warm, pourable caramel sauce that soaks into every layer.
DIY Tips:
- Poke holes in the warm rolls with a skewer before pouring the caramel sauce over them.
- A simple sauce can be made by melting caramels with a little heavy cream.
- These are incredibly decadent and best served warm with a fork and a cup of coffee.
Holiday & Celebration Rolls
These rolls are designed to capture the specific flavors and feelings of the most special times of the year, making any morning feel like a celebration.
21. Classic Pumpkin Spice Rolls
The quintessential fall treat. Pumpkin puree in the dough makes them incredibly moist, and the filling is packed with a warm blend of pumpkin pie spices.
DIY Tips:
- The pumpkin puree adds extra moisture, so you may need to add a bit more flour to get the right dough consistency.
- A maple cream cheese frosting is the perfect autumnal topping.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy finish.
22. Rich Eggnog Rolls
Perfect for Christmas morning, real eggnog is used in both the dough and the frosting for a creamy, rich, and festively spiced roll.
DIY Tips:
- Use a full fat, high quality eggnog for the best flavor.
- Add a splash of brandy or rum to the frosting for a truly authentic eggnog flavor.
- A dusting of freshly grated nutmeg just before serving is a must.
23. Gingerbread Rolls with a Lemon Glaze
Dark, spicy, and fragrant with molasses and ginger, these rolls are the essence of the holiday season. The bright lemon glaze provides a perfect, zesty contrast.
DIY Tips:
- Use a dark, robust molasses for the deepest, most authentic gingerbread flavor.
- Do not be shy with the ground ginger for a real spicy kick.
- The acidity of the lemon glaze is crucial for cutting through the richness of the molasses.
24. Red Velvet Rolls
Perfect for a special Valentine’s Day breakfast, these rolls have a striking red color, a subtle cocoa flavor, and are always topped with a thick layer of tangy cream cheese frosting.
DIY Tips:
- Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant red without adding too much extra liquid to the dough.
- The filling is typically a simple butter and sugar mixture, the main flavor comes from the dough and frosting.
- Be generous with the cream cheese frosting, it is an essential part of the red velvet experience.
25. Birthday Cake Rolls
A fun and festive treat, these rolls have rainbow sprinkles mixed into both the dough and a cake batter flavored frosting.
DIY Tips:
- Use “jimmies” style sprinkles, as the small round nonpareils can bleed their color into the dough.
- A little bit of almond extract in the frosting will give it that classic “cake batter” flavor.
- Top with extra sprinkles for a celebratory finish.
26. Hot Chocolate Rolls
A cozy winter dream, these rolls feature a rich chocolate dough and filling, and are topped with a marshmallow fluff frosting and mini marshmallows.
DIY Tips:
- Use a good quality cocoa powder in the dough for the best flavor.
- You can toast the marshmallow topping with a kitchen torch for a “toasted marshmallow” look.
- A drizzle of chocolate syrup over the top makes them even more decadent.
27. Irish Cream Rolls
A perfect treat for a St. Patrick’s Day brunch, these rolls feature a coffee flavored dough and a rich, sweet frosting made with Irish cream liqueur.
DIY Tips:
- Replace some of the milk in the dough with strong brewed coffee.
- The Irish cream frosting is sweet and delicious, so you do not need much.
- A sprinkle of chocolate shavings over the top is a lovely finishing touch.
28. Caramel Apple Rolls
A perfect fall festival treat, these rolls are filled with tender apples and then drenched in a gooey caramel sauce after baking.
DIY Tips:
- Use a tart, firm apple like a Granny Smith that will hold its shape.
- Pour a high quality jarred caramel sauce over the warm rolls, or make your own.
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel is a must to balance the sweetness.
29. Sweet Potato Rolls with a Marshmallow Glaze
A nod to the classic Thanksgiving casserole, these rolls have mashed sweet potato in the dough and are topped with a gooey, sweet glaze made from melted marshmallow fluff.
DIY Tips:
- Roast the sweet potato to concentrate its flavor before mashing it for the dough.
- Sprinkle toasted, chopped pecans over the marshmallow glaze for a crunchy topping.
- These are a fun and unexpected addition to a holiday brunch.
30. Cranberry and White Chocolate Rolls
The tartness of cranberries is perfectly balanced by the sweet creaminess of white chocolate chips in this festive and beautiful roll.
DIY Tips:
- Use roughly chopped fresh or frozen cranberries for the best flavor.
- A simple white chocolate ganache makes a delicious and easy topping.
- This is a fantastic roll for a Christmas or Thanksgiving brunch.
Conclusion
Baking cinnamon rolls from scratch is an act of love, a tradition that fills a home with warmth and creates lasting memories. These 30 recipes, all rooted in the comforting, no fuss wisdom that feels like a hug from Grandma, offer a world of fluffy, gooey possibilities. Whether you stick to a timeless classic or add a simple, heartfelt twist, the real magic comes from the process itself, kneading the dough, smelling the spices, and sharing a warm, irresistible roll with the people you love.