Real butter and a fresh, fragrant ground cinnamon separate a great roll from a gummy one, so buy the best of both. Give the dough its two rises and don't rush them. It doubles once after kneading and again after shaping, and that double proof is what makes the rolls soft enough to pull apart in strands.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep2 hr 30 min
Cook25 min
Makes12 rolls
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for12rolls
All-purpose flour
A good unbleached flour with enough protein for a soft, sturdy crumb.
Rich enough that Mom might raise an eyebrow. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
The Method
Bloom and mixWarm the milk to 110F, stir in the yeast and a spoon of sugar, and wait 5 minutes until foamy. Mix with the flour, remaining sugar, an egg, softened butter, and 1 teaspoon salt into a soft dough.
First riseKnead 8 minutes until smooth and elastic, then cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
Fill and rollRoll the dough into a large rectangle, spread with softened butter, and scatter the cinnamon mixed with sugar. Roll up tight from the long side and cut into 12 rolls.
Second riseArrange in a buttered dish, cover, and let rise again until puffy, about 45 minutes.
Bake and glazeBake at 350F for 22 to 26 minutes until golden and set in the center. Cool 10 minutes, then spread with a glaze of powdered sugar, cream cheese, and a splash of milk.
Can you make Cinnamon Rolls in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.
Can you freeze Cinnamon Rolls? — Yes
Yes — freeze it well-wrapped, then reheat or toast straight from frozen. Frost or glaze after thawing.
Can you make Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.
Is Cinnamon Rolls gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Cinnamon Rolls vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Community Notes
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