Here is the summary table for the 35 irresistible cinnamon roll recipes.
There is a special kind of magic in making cinnamon rolls from scratch. It’s a sensory experience that begins with the soft feel of the dough, builds with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and yeast filling your home, and culminates in the pure bliss of pulling apart a warm, gooey, perfectly frosted roll.
While shortcuts have their place, the satisfaction of creating this iconic comfort food entirely from scratch is unparalleled.
This guide offers 35 irresistible variations, proving that with a little patience and a good recipe, anyone can master the art of the homemade cinnamon roll.
The Foundational Classics
These are the pillars of the cinnamon roll world. Mastering these from-scratch doughs and techniques will give you the foundation to create any variation your heart desires.
1. Classic Overnight Brioche Cinnamon Rolls
This is the pinnacle of rich, tender rolls. An enriched brioche dough, loaded with butter and eggs, is given a slow, cold rise overnight, developing complex flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
DIY Tips:
- The brioche dough will be very soft and sticky. Chill it for at least a few hours or overnight before rolling to make it manageable.
- Use a high-quality, high-fat European-style butter for the most decadent flavor.
- Let the rolls sit at room temperature for about an hour before baking to take the chill off and ensure a good final rise.
2. Old-Fashioned Potato Dough Cinnamon Rolls
The secret to an unbelievably soft and moist crumb that lasts for days is mashed potatoes. This old-fashioned technique creates a uniquely tender roll.
DIY Tips:
- Use plain, unseasoned leftover mashed potatoes. Ensure they are smooth and free of lumps.
- The potato starch can make the dough slightly stickier, so don’t be afraid to use a little extra flour when kneading.
- These rolls are fantastic with a simple powdered sugar glaze that lets the incredible texture of the dough shine.
3. Fluffy Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls
The acidity in buttermilk tenderizes the gluten in the dough, resulting in an exceptionally soft, fluffy, and slightly tangy roll that perfectly balances a sweet frosting.
DIY Tips:
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of regular milk.
- The buttermilk will react with the leavening agents to create a very active dough, so keep an eye on it during the rises.
- A classic tangy cream cheese frosting is the perfect pairing for these rolls.
4. Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
For a more complex flavor profile, using an active sourdough starter provides the leavening and lends a subtle, delightful tang that cuts through the sweetness.
DIY Tips:
- The proofing times for sourdough are highly dependent on the strength of your starter and the temperature of your kitchen. Watch the dough, not the clock.
- For a less pronounced sour flavor, use your sourdough discard along with a little commercial yeast.
- A brown butter frosting complements the nutty, tangy notes of the sourdough beautifully.
5. Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls
By incorporating whole wheat flour, you can create a heartier, nuttier, and more wholesome roll that is still wonderfully soft and delicious.
DIY Tips:
- For a lighter texture, start with a 50/50 blend of whole wheat and all-purpose or bread flour.
- Whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture, so you may need to add an extra tablespoon or two of milk to your dough.
- A maple or honey-sweetened glaze is a natural pairing for the nutty flavor of whole wheat.
6. 1-Hour Rapid Rise Cinnamon Rolls
For when the craving strikes and you don’t have hours to wait, this recipe uses quick-rise yeast and a few tricks to get you warm, gooey rolls in about an hour.
DIY Tips:
- Make sure your milk is at the perfect temperature (around 110-115°F) to activate the rapid-rise yeast quickly.
- Let the dough rest in a warm, draft-free spot (like a slightly warm oven that’s been turned off) to speed up the rise.
- These rolls are best eaten warm, right after they’re frosted.
Fruit-Forward & Fresh
Incorporating fruit adds a wonderful brightness, tang, and natural sweetness that perfectly complements the warm spice of a classic roll.
7. Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
This is a perfect marriage of two fall classics. Tender, spiced apple chunks are rolled up with the cinnamon-sugar filling for a doubly delicious treat.
DIY Tips:
- Finely dice a tart apple, like a Granny Smith, and sauté it in a little butter and cinnamon until just tender before adding it to the filling.
- A drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the cream cheese frosting takes the apple pie theme to the next level.
- Adding a pinch of apple pie spice or cardamom to the filling enhances the flavor.
8. Cranberry Orange Rolls
A festive and beautiful combination, perfect for the holidays. Tart cranberries and bright orange zest are featured in both the filling and the glaze.
DIY Tips:
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries (don’t thaw first) and chop them roughly before sprinkling over the filling.
- Infuse the dough itself by adding the zest of one orange directly into your wet ingredients.
- A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice is the perfect finish.
9. Lemon Sweet Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
A bright and sunny twist, these rolls swap the cinnamon for a sweet, zesty lemon filling and are topped with a tangy lemon-infused frosting.
DIY Tips:
- For the most intense flavor, use both fresh lemon juice and plenty of finely grated lemon zest in the filling.
- A layer of lemon curd spread over the dough before sprinkling with a lemon-sugar mixture adds an extra pop of flavor.
- These rolls are delightful served at room temperature or even slightly chilled.
10. Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls
Instead of cinnamon, these rolls are spread with a thick layer of raspberry jam, creating a beautiful pink spiral and a perfect sweet-tart flavor profile.
DIY Tips:
- Use a high-quality, thick seedless raspberry jam to prevent the filling from becoming too runny.
- A simple almond-flavored glaze is a classic and delicious pairing with raspberry.
- For a richer version, spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese on the dough before adding the jam.
11. Blueberry Rolls with a Lemon Glaze
Juicy blueberries are scattered throughout the filling, bursting during baking to create pockets of warm, jammy fruit. The lemon glaze provides a bright, complementary citrus note.
DIY Tips:
- Gently toss the blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before sprinkling them over the filling to prevent them from making the dough soggy.
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them first.
- The combination of blueberry and lemon is classic; don’t skip the zesty glaze.
12. Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls capture the essence of summer with a filling of tender, spiced peaches, all topped with a buttery crumble for that authentic cobbler crunch.
DIY Tips:
- Use fresh or canned peaches (drained well). If using fresh, peel and dice them first.
- A pinch of nutmeg and a dash of vanilla in the filling will enhance the peach flavor.
- Sprinkle a simple streusel topping over the rolls before the final rise for the best texture.
13. Strawberry Rhubarb Rolls
A classic springtime combination, the tartness of rhubarb is balanced by the sweetness of strawberries in a unique and delicious filling.
DIY Tips:
- Cook down the diced strawberries and rhubarb with a little sugar to create a thick, jam-like filling before spreading it on the dough.
- A vanilla bean cream cheese frosting is the perfect creamy counterpoint to the tart fruit.
- These rolls are best enjoyed the day they are made due to the high moisture content of the fruit.
Decadent & Indulgent Delights
When you want a truly over-the-top treat, these rich and gooey rolls, loaded with chocolate, nuts, and caramel, are sure to satisfy.
14. Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns
The ultimate gooey treat, these are essentially cinnamon rolls baked upside down on a layer of 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 topping releases cleanly.
- Toast the pecans before arranging them in the pan to deepen their nutty flavor.
- A splash of dark rum or bourbon in the caramel sauce adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
15. Decadent Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
For the true chocoholic, these rolls feature cocoa powder in the dough, a chocolate-cinnamon filling, and a rich chocolate ganache topping.
DIY Tips:
- Use a high-quality Dutch-process cocoa powder for a deep, dark chocolate flavor.
- A teaspoon of instant espresso powder in the filling will intensify the chocolate notes without tasting like coffee.
- For a gooey center, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before rolling.
16. Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Sea Salt
The simple act of browning the butter for both the filling and the frosting adds an incredible depth of nutty, toasted flavor that is simply divine.
DIY Tips:
- Cook the butter until it foams and you see browned milk solids at the bottom of the pan; that’s where the flavor is.
- Let the brown butter cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the sugar in the filling too much.
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the finished rolls is non-negotiable; it balances the richness perfectly.
17. Nutella-Swirled Rolls
A simple yet genius twist, a generous layer of creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread is swirled into the dough for a rich and universally loved flavor.
DIY Tips:
- Gently warm the Nutella for a few seconds in the microwave to make it easier to spread evenly.
- 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 to finish.
18. Cookies and Cream (Oreo) Rolls
A fun, modern twist where crushed Oreo cookies are mixed into the cinnamon-sugar filling and sprinkled over a cream cheese frosting.
DIY Tips:
- Use a food processor to crush the Oreos into a coarse crumb for the best texture.
- For the ultimate “cookies and cream” experience, use a chocolate-based dough for the rolls.
- The frosting should mimic the flavor of the Oreo cream, so a simple vanilla cream cheese frosting is perfect.
19. Tiramisu-Inspired Rolls
Capturing the flavors of the classic Italian dessert, these rolls feature a coffee-infused dough, a creamy mascarpone cheese filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder.
DIY Tips:
- Replace some of the milk in the dough with strong brewed coffee or espresso.
- Use full-fat mascarpone cheese for the most authentic, rich filling.
- Serve these at room temperature and dust with cocoa powder just before serving.
20. Biscoff (Cookie Butter) Rolls
Deeply comforting and uniquely spiced, these rolls are filled with melted cookie butter, creating a flavor reminiscent of Belgian speculoos cookies.
DIY Tips:
- A brown sugar cream cheese frosting beautifully complements the spiced notes of the Biscoff.
- Crush extra Biscoff cookies and sprinkle them over the frosted rolls for a crunchy finish.
- Warm the cookie butter slightly to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Spiced & Aromatic Twists
Go beyond basic cinnamon and explore a world of warm and exotic spices that can elevate your homemade rolls to a whole new level.
21. Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls
A fragrant blend of spices like cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and black pepper is mixed with the cinnamon for a warm, complex, and aromatic filling.
DIY Tips:
- Create your own chai spice blend or use a pre-made one.
- Infuse the milk for the dough by steeping a few chai tea bags in it while it warms.
- A simple vanilla or honey glaze allows the complex spice flavor to be the star.
22. Cardamom Buns (Kanelbullar)
Inspired by Swedish baking, these rolls feature cardamom as the primary spice in the dough and the filling. They are often tied into a beautiful knot shape and topped with pearl sugar.
DIY Tips:
- Use freshly ground cardamom for the most potent and aromatic flavor.
- Look up a tutorial for the traditional Swedish knot shape; it’s a beautiful presentation.
- Brush the buns with a simple sugar syrup right out of the oven to keep them soft and give them a nice sheen.
23. Gingerbread Rolls with Lemon Glaze
Perfect for the holidays, these dark, spicy rolls are made with molasses and a heavy dose of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. The bright lemon glaze provides a perfect, zesty contrast.
DIY Tips:
- Use a dark, robust molasses for that deep, traditional gingerbread flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to be generous 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. Orange-Clove Sweet Rolls
The warm, pungent flavor of clove pairs beautifully with the bright zest of orange. This combination creates a uniquely festive and aromatic roll.
DIY Tips:
- Use freshly grated orange zest and a small amount of ground cloves, as the flavor is very strong.
- A simple glaze made with orange juice and powdered sugar enhances the citrus notes.
- These rolls are especially wonderful during the Christmas season.
25. Anise and Cinnamon Rolls
For a subtle, licorice-like warmth, a small amount of ground anise seed is added to the cinnamon-sugar filling, creating a sophisticated and old-world flavor profile.
DIY Tips:
- Ground anise is potent, so start with a small amount and taste your filling before using.
- This flavor pairs well with a simple, sweet vanilla glaze.
- These are a wonderful, unique treat for a holiday brunch.
Holiday & Seasonal Specials
These rolls are designed to capture the essence of a specific holiday or season, making your cozy morning celebrations even more special.
26. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
The quintessential fall treat, these rolls have pumpkin puree in the dough, making them incredibly moist, and a filling packed with 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.
- Toast some pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and sprinkle them on top for a crunchy garnish.
27. Hot Cross Bun-Inspired Rolls
Perfect for Easter, these rolls are studded with currants or raisins and flavored with warm spices. They are marked with a cross made of icing.
DIY Tips:
- Soak the dried fruit in warm tea or orange juice before adding to the dough to make them plump and flavorful.
- The cross can be made with a simple paste of flour and water piped on before baking, or with frosting after.
- A shiny apricot glaze brushed over the warm rolls adds a traditional finish.
28. Eggnog-Frosted Gingerbread Rolls
A Christmas morning dream, these combine the spicy warmth of gingerbread with a rich, creamy frosting made from real eggnog and a hint of nutmeg.
DIY Tips:
- Use a high-quality, full-fat eggnog for the richest frosting flavor.
- A splash of rum or brandy in the frosting will enhance the festive flavor.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg just before serving.
29. Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, these rolls have a striking red color, a subtle cocoa flavor, and are always topped with a generous amount of tangy cream cheese frosting.
DIY Tips:
- Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant red color without adding too much extra liquid.
- The filling is typically a simple butter and sugar mixture, as the flavor comes from the dough and frosting.
- Be generous with the cream cheese frosting; it’s an essential part of the red velvet experience.
30. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Rolls
A festive winter treat, these have a rich chocolate dough and filling, and are topped with a peppermint-infused frosting and crushed candy canes.
DIY Tips:
- Use peppermint extract in the frosting, starting with a small amount as it is very strong.
- Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the frosting right before serving to prevent them from getting soft.
- A drizzle of chocolate ganache over the peppermint frosting makes them even more decadent.
Unique & Unexpected Rolls
For the adventurous baker, these creative combinations push the boundaries of what a cinnamon roll can be.
31. Coffee-Infused Rolls with Espresso Glaze
A coffee lover’s dream, the dough is infused with strong coffee, and the glaze is made with a shot of espresso for a double dose of flavor.
DIY Tips:
- Replacing the milk in your dough recipe with brewed coffee is an easy way to infuse the flavor.
- Instant espresso powder is a great way to get concentrated coffee flavor in the glaze without adding too much liquid.
- A sprinkle of finely chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans is the perfect garnish.
32. Fig and Prosciutto Sweet & Savory Rolls
An elegant and sophisticated roll, a layer of fig jam is spread on the dough and topped with salty, thinly sliced prosciutto for an amazing sweet and savory combination.
DIY Tips:
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top after baking ties all the flavors together.
- These are fantastic served as part of a special brunch.
- A schmear of goat cheese on the dough before the fig jam adds another tangy, savory layer.
33. Piña Colada Rolls
Escape to the tropics with these rolls filled with pineapple and coconut and topped with a coconut-rum glaze.
DIY Tips:
- Use well-drained crushed pineapple and sweetened shredded coconut for the filling.
- A splash of coconut or pineapple rum in the glaze gives them an authentic cocktail flavor.
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and a maraschino cherry.
34. Baklava-Inspired Rolls
These rolls capture the essence of the classic Greek dessert with a filling of finely chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and honey, all soaked in a honey-citrus syrup after baking.
DIY Tips:
- Pour the cool syrup over the hot rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.
- A hint of rose water or orange blossom water in the syrup adds an authentic, aromatic touch.
- Garnish with extra finely chopped walnuts or pistachios.
35. Lavender Honey Rolls
A delicate and floral twist, a small amount of culinary lavender is infused into the honey used for the filling, creating a unique and calming flavor profile.
DIY Tips:
- Gently warm the honey with a teaspoon of culinary lavender buds to infuse the flavor, then strain before using.
- A simple, light glaze is best to not overpower the delicate lavender flavor.
- This is a sophisticated roll, perfect for a special occasion like a bridal shower or spring brunch.
Conclusion
The journey of making cinnamon rolls from scratch is a rewarding one, filled with delicious aromas and culminating in a truly special treat. Whether you stick to a timeless classic or venture into a more unexpected flavor combination, the love and care you put into your homemade rolls will be tasted in every single bite. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and get ready to create some irresistible, cozy morning memories.