Of course. Here is the summary table for the 40 fluffy cinnamon roll recipes, with the “Brief Description” column left empty as you requested.
There’s a certain kind of magic that lives in a recipe passed down from a grandmother. It’s more than just a list of ingredients; it’s a story of warmth, comfort, and the unconditional love that can be baked into a simple piece of dough.
When it comes to cinnamon rolls, “Grandma’s recipe” is the gold standard it promises a roll that is impossibly fluffy, generously filled, and slathered in just the right amount of frosting.
This collection of 40 from-scratch recipes honors that tradition, offering timeless classics and simple, heartfelt variations that are guaranteed to fill your home with a nostalgic aroma and your heart with pure, cozy contentment.
The Time-Honored Doughs
The secret to a truly great cinnamon roll starts with the dough. These foundational recipes use classic, time-tested techniques to create the perfect pillowy base.
1. The Classic Overnight Rise
This is the secret to a relaxed holiday morning. The slow, cold fermentation in the refrigerator overnight develops a rich, complex flavor in the dough that you can’t achieve in a few hours.
DIY Tips:
- Let the rolls sit out on the counter for 45-60 minutes before baking to take the chill off and ensure a final, beautiful rise.
- The dough will be firm from the cold, making it incredibly easy to roll out and slice cleanly.
- This method works with most standard yeast doughs.
2. Old-Fashioned Potato Dough Rolls
Grandma knew that the secret to the softest, moistest crumb that lasts for days was a scoop of leftover mashed potatoes. The potato starch creates an unbelievably tender roll.
DIY Tips:
- Use plain, unseasoned mashed potatoes. If they are lumpy, press them through a sieve first.
- The potato will make the dough slightly sticky; don’t be afraid to use a well-floured surface for kneading.
- The natural sweetness of the potato means you can slightly reduce the sugar in the dough itself.
3. Fluffy Buttermilk Rolls
The gentle acidity in buttermilk tenderizes the gluten in the flour, resulting in an exceptionally soft and fluffy roll with a subtle, pleasant tang.
DIY Tips:
- If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Warm the buttermilk gently; you don’t want to curdle it before it gets to the dough.
- This dough pairs perfectly with a classic, tangy cream cheese frosting.
4. Rich Brioche Dough Rolls
This is the most decadent of all doughs, enriched with plenty of eggs and high-quality butter. The result is a roll with a light, airy, almost-shred-able texture that melts in your mouth.
DIY Tips:
- The dough will be very soft and sticky. It’s essential to chill it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before attempting to roll it out.
- Use a good quality, high-fat butter for the most luxurious flavor.
- A simple vanilla bean glaze is all you need so the rich flavor of the brioche can shine.
5. Simple Sour Cream Dough Rolls
Another old-fashioned trick, sour cream adds fat and acidity to the dough, creating a very moist, rich, and tender roll with a beautiful crumb.
DIY Tips:
- Use full-fat sour cream for the best results.
- The dough will be quite rich; it’s perfect for a generous cinnamon-sugar filling.
- This dough is fantastic with a simple brown sugar frosting.
Classic Fillings & Frostings
No cinnamon roll is complete without its sweet, gooey center and creamy topping. These are the classic choices that never fail.
6. The Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting
The quintessential cinnamon roll topping. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and its creamy texture melts beautifully into the warm crevices of a fresh roll.
DIY Tips:
- Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the best texture and tang.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened to room temperature to avoid lumps.
- A splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt are non-negotiable for a balanced flavor.
7. Simple Powdered Sugar Glaze
Sometimes, less is more. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla is a light, sweet finish that lets the flavor of the roll itself be the star.
DIY Tips:
- For a thicker, more opaque glaze, use less milk. For a thinner, more translucent glaze, use a little more.
- A drop or two of almond extract in the glaze adds a lovely, subtle warmth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the rolls while they are still slightly warm.
8. Old-Fashioned Brown Sugar Frosting
This cooked frosting is a vintage classic. Butter and brown sugar are melted together with milk, then mixed with powdered sugar to create a rich, caramel-like frosting.
DIY Tips:
- Continuously stir the butter and brown sugar mixture as it cooks to prevent it from scorching.
- This frosting will set up as it cools, so frost the rolls while it’s still warm and spreadable.
- A sprinkle of toasted, chopped pecans on top is a perfect addition.
9. Double Cinnamon Swirl Rolls
For the true cinnamon lover, this version doubles the amount of filling, ensuring that every single bite is packed with gooey, spiced goodness.
DIY Tips:
- Brush the dough with a generous amount of softened butter to help the thick layer of cinnamon sugar adhere.
- Roll the log as tightly as you can to keep all that delicious filling inside.
- Use a high-quality, fragrant cinnamon like Korintje or Saigon for the best flavor.
10. Big-as-Your-Face Bakery-Style Rolls
Grandma never skimped on size. These are giant, satisfying rolls, made by rolling the dough into a large rectangle and cutting thick, generous slices.
DIY Tips:
- Bake these in a cake pan or with their sides touching in a casserole dish to help them rise up instead of spreading out.
- These will require a longer baking time, so cover them with foil if the tops start to get too brown before the center is cooked.
- One of these is a meal in itself, perfect for sharing.
Hearty & Wholesome Variations
These rolls incorporate wholesome ingredients from the pantry, creating a heartier, more substantial treat.
11. Oatmeal Cinnamon Rolls
Adding old-fashioned rolled oats to the dough creates a wonderfully chewy, hearty texture and a subtle, nutty flavor.
DIY Tips:
- For an even chewier texture, you can soak the oats in the warm milk for 20 minutes before making the dough.
- These are fantastic with the addition of plump raisins to the filling.
- A maple-sweetened glaze is a perfect match for the wholesome oat flavor.
12. Classic Raisin-Filled Rolls
A timeless addition, plump raisins are sprinkled over the cinnamon-sugar filling, adding little bursts of sweetness and a lovely chewy texture.
DIY Tips:
- Plump the raisins before using them by soaking them in hot water or warm tea for 15 minutes. Drain them well before adding to the filling.
- For a more grown-up version, soak the raisins in a splash of dark rum.
- A simple orange-infused glaze beautifully complements the raisin filling.
13. Toasted Walnut or Pecan Rolls
A classic for a reason, the crunchy, buttery flavor of toasted nuts provides the perfect textural contrast to the soft, pillowy dough.
DIY Tips:
- Always toast the nuts in a dry skillet or in the oven before chopping them. This brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor.
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the filling before rolling, and save some to sprinkle on top of the frosting.
- Pecans lend a sweeter flavor, while walnuts have a more earthy, robust taste.
14. Maple-Glazed Rolls
Using pure maple syrup in the glaze instead of milk or cream gives the rolls a distinct, cozy, and authentic autumnal flavor.
DIY Tips:
- Use a dark, robust grade of maple syrup for the most intense flavor.
- A sprinkle of crispy, crumbled bacon on top of the maple glaze is a delicious sweet-and-salty combination.
- You can also add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the cinnamon-sugar filling.
15. Honey-Sweetened Rolls
Using honey as the primary sweetener in the dough or the glaze gives the rolls a lovely floral note and helps keep them moist.
DIY Tips:
- A simple honey butter, brushed on the rolls right out of the oven, is a delicious alternative to a glaze.
- The type of honey you use (clover, wildflower, orange blossom) will subtly change the flavor profile.
- Honey can cause things to brown faster, so keep an eye on the rolls as they bake.
Fruit-Filled Favorites
Using the bounty of the orchard is a classic way to add natural sweetness and brightness to a traditional roll.
16. Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
This is the ultimate fall comfort food, with tender, spiced apple chunks rolled right into the dough with the cinnamon sugar.
DIY Tips:
- Finely dice a tart apple, like a Granny Smith, and cook it down with a little butter and cinnamon until just tender before adding to the filling.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce over the top of the frosted rolls completes the “caramel apple” experience.
- Add a pinch of apple pie spice to the filling for a more complex flavor.
17. Blueberry Sweet Rolls with a Lemon Glaze
A perfect summer morning treat. Juicy blueberries burst during baking, creating jammy pockets of flavor that are perfectly complemented by a zesty lemon glaze.
DIY Tips:
- Toss fresh or frozen blueberries in a little flour before sprinkling them over the filling to prevent them from making the dough too soggy.
- The combination of blueberry and lemon is classic for a reason; don’t skip the fresh lemon zest in the glaze.
- These are best enjoyed the day they are made.
18. Cranberry Orange Rolls
A festive combination perfect for the holiday season. The tartness of cranberries is beautifully balanced by the bright sweetness of orange.
DIY Tips:
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped, for the best tart flavor.
- Add the zest of a full orange to the dough itself to infuse the flavor throughout.
- A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and fresh orange juice is the perfect finish.
19. Classic Orange Rolls
A beloved classic, especially in the Midwest, these rolls feature a bright, sweet orange filling and a delicious orange-infused glaze.
DIY Tips:
- For the filling, mix orange zest with sugar until it is fragrant and sandy.
- Use fresh-squeezed orange juice in the glaze for the best, brightest flavor.
- These are a fantastic, refreshing alternative to cinnamon.
20. Peach Cobbler Rolls
Capture the taste of summer with these rolls, which are filled with tender, spiced peaches and often topped with a buttery crumble for that authentic cobbler texture.
DIY Tips:
- Use fresh or canned peaches (drained well). If using fresh, peel and dice them first.
- A pinch of nutmeg in the filling beautifully complements the peach flavor.
- Serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
21. Cherry Sweet Rolls with an Almond Glaze
The sweet-tart flavor of cherries pairs wonderfully with the nutty aroma of almond. This is an elegant and delicious combination.
DIY Tips:
- You can use canned cherry pie filling for an easy, gooey filling.
- A few drops of almond extract in a standard powdered sugar glaze will give it a beautiful, sophisticated flavor.
- Garnish with a few toasted, slivered almonds.
22. Pineapple & Coconut Morning Buns
A tropical twist Grandma might have made after a special vacation. Crushed pineapple and sweetened coconut flakes create a sweet, sunny filling.
DIY Tips:
- Drain the crushed pineapple very well to avoid a soggy filling.
- Toast the coconut flakes before adding them to the filling to enhance their flavor.
- A glaze made with coconut milk and powdered sugar completes the tropical theme.
Sunday Best & Special Occasion Rolls
For those times when you want something a little extra special, these decadent versions are guaranteed to impress.
23. Gooey Caramel Rolls
Similar to sticky buns, these rolls are baked in a pool of buttery, brown sugar caramel sauce that bubbles up around them, ensuring every bite is gooey and decadent.
DIY Tips:
- Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of the baking dish before placing the unbaked rolls on top.
- These are incredibly rich and best served warm with a fork.
- A sprinkle of sea salt in the caramel sauce will balance the sweetness.
24. Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls
A simple, kid-approved addition that makes any cinnamon roll feel more like a special dessert. Mini chocolate chips are sprinkled over the filling before rolling.
DIY Tips:
- Use mini chocolate chips, as they distribute more evenly and are less likely to create large melted pockets.
- A simple vanilla glaze is the perfect complement.
- These are fantastic for a special birthday breakfast.
25. Butterscotch Rolls
A warm, old-fashioned flavor, butterscotch chips are melted into the filling or used to create a rich, delicious glaze.
DIY Tips:
- Melt butterscotch chips with a little butter and brown sugar for a gooey filling.
- A butterscotch-flavored pudding mix can be used to create a simple, flavorful frosting.
- These pair well with chopped pecans.
26. Sour Cream and Raisin Rolls
A nod to a classic pie filling, a creamy, tangy mixture of sour cream, sugar, and raisins is spread on the dough for a unique and delicious roll.
DIY Tips:
- Make sure to use full-fat sour cream for the richest filling.
- A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all these rich rolls need.
- These have a wonderful, slightly tangy flavor that is very nostalgic.
27. Almond Paste-Filled Rolls
For a treat reminiscent of a bear claw or an almond croissant, a layer of sweet, nutty almond paste is spread over the dough.
DIY Tips:
- You can buy almond paste in a tube or make your own with almond flour, sugar, and egg whites.
- A sprinkle of slivered almonds on top before baking adds a nice crunch.
- A simple almond-flavored glaze enhances the flavor.
28. Molasses-Spiced Rolls
Using molasses in the dough and the filling gives these rolls a deep, dark, and robust old-world flavor, similar to gingerbread but with a softer spice profile.
DIY Tips:
- Use a mild molasses for a gentler flavor, or a dark, robust one for a more intense taste.
- These are fantastic with a simple lemon glaze to cut through the richness.
- The dough will be a beautiful, dark caramel color.
29. “Dinner Roll” Dough Cinnamon Rolls
Grandma was resourceful. This method uses a single, versatile sweet yeast dough recipe that can be used for both dinner rolls and a batch of cinnamon rolls.
DIY Tips:
- Make a large batch of dough, use half for savory rolls, and half for sweet.
- This dough is typically less sweet, so be generous with your cinnamon-sugar filling.
- This is a great time-saving technique for a big holiday meal.
Holiday & Festive Rolls
These rolls are specifically designed to capture the flavors and feelings of the most special times of the year.
30. Classic Pumpkin Spice Rolls
The quintessential fall treat. Pumpkin puree is added to the dough for incredible moisture, and the filling is loaded with pumpkin pie spices.
DIY Tips:
- The pumpkin puree adds a lot of moisture, so you may need to add a little more flour to get a soft, but not sticky, dough.
- A maple-infused cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping for these autumnal rolls.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas).
31. 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 rum or brandy to the frosting for a truly authentic eggnog flavor.
- A dusting of freshly grated nutmeg just before serving is essential.
32. Peppermint-Glazed Chocolate Rolls
A festive winter wonderland treat. A rich chocolate dough is topped with a cool peppermint glaze and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.
DIY Tips:
- Use peppermint extract in the glaze, not mint. Start with a small amount as it is very potent.
- Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on right before serving to prevent them from getting soft and sticky.
- A drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the peppermint glaze looks beautiful.
33. Hot Cross Bun-Inspired Easter Rolls
These rolls are flavored with warm spices and studded with currants or raisins. A cross made of frosting piped on top makes them perfect for an Easter brunch.
DIY Tips:
- Soak the dried fruit in warm tea or orange juice to plump them up before adding to the dough.
- A shiny glaze made from melted apricot jam can be brushed over the warm buns for a traditional finish.
- The cross can also be made with a simple flour-and-water paste piped on before baking.
34. Red Velvet Rolls for Valentine’s Day
A stunning, vibrant red roll with a subtle cocoa flavor. A generous slathering of tangy cream cheese frosting is absolutely mandatory.
DIY Tips:
- Use gel food coloring for the most intense red color without altering the dough’s consistency.
- The filling is typically a simple butter, sugar, and cocoa mixture; the main flavor comes from the dough and frosting.
- Be generous with the frosting; it’s the signature of any good red velvet treat.
35. Fourth of July “Firecracker” Rolls
A fun and patriotic twist. A classic sweet roll is filled with a mix of strawberry and blueberry jam and topped with a vanilla glaze and festive red, white, and blue sprinkles.
DIY Tips:
- Create a swirl effect by dotting both jams over the dough before rolling.
- Use star-shaped sprinkles for an extra patriotic touch.
- These are a fun, unexpected treat for a holiday barbecue breakfast.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. After-Dinner Mint Rolls
A chocolate dough is filled with a simple buttery filling and then topped with a cool, creamy frosting flavored with peppermint and creme de menthe.
DIY Tips:
- A few drops of green food coloring in the frosting give it that classic minty look.
- Top with chopped Andes mints or other chocolate-mint candies.
- These are a wonderful treat to serve after a big holiday dinner.
39. Toasted Coconut Rolls
Toasted coconut flakes are added to the filling and sprinkled on top, adding a warm, nutty, and slightly tropical flavor to a classic roll.
DIY Tips:
- Toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet until it’s fragrant and golden brown to bring out its flavor.
- A glaze made with coconut milk gives an extra layer of coconut goodness.
- These are delicious with the addition of macadamia nuts or white chocolate chips.
40. The “Leftover Cranberry Sauce” Roll
Grandma never wasted a thing. This recipe uses leftover jellied or whole berry cranberry sauce as a quick and delicious filling for a sweet roll.
DIY Tips:
- If your cranberry sauce is very tart, you may want to add a little extra sugar to the filling.
- An orange-flavored cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement.
- This is a fantastic way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious breakfast.
Conclusion
Baking cinnamon rolls from scratch is an act of love, a tradition that fills a home with warmth and creates lasting memories. These 40 recipes, all rooted in the comforting, no-fuss wisdom that Grandma would approve of, 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.