Soft Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Sugar Filling

Tender yeast rolls filled with brown sugar, cinnamon and butter.

Total 2 hr 25 minMakes 12 rolls
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These soft cinnamon rolls use a yeasted milk dough, a buttery brown-sugar cinnamon filling and a simple rise-and-bake method. Let the dough double before rolling, then proof the cut rolls until puffy so the centres bake up tender. Stir warm milk, sugar and yeast together. Stand 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. Stir in melted butter. Add flour and salt gradually to make a soft dough. Knead 8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 60 to 90 minutes. Roll dough to a 30 x 40 cm rectangle. Spread softened butter over it; scatter brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll from the long side and cut into 12 rolls.

Recipe card

Soft Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Sugar Filling

Prep 30 minCook 25 minTotal 2 hr 25 minYield 12 rolls
Only numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Measuring tools, mixing bowl and suitable pan

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast

    Stir warm milk, sugar and yeast together. Stand 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

  2. Mix dough

    Stir in melted butter. Add flour and salt gradually to make a soft dough. Knead 8 minutes until smooth.

  3. First rise

    Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 60 to 90 minutes.

  4. Fill and shape

    Roll dough to a 30 x 40 cm rectangle. Spread softened butter over it; scatter brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll from the long side and cut into 12 rolls.

  5. Proof and bake

    Arrange in a greased pan, cover and rise 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. Heat oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake 22 to 28 minutes until golden and cooked through.

How to tell when it is ready

Cook until tender and evenly heated as described.

Tips

  • Measure and prepare ingredients before cooking.
  • Cut ingredients into even pieces.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning near the end.
  • Use a thermometer where meat doneness is specified.

Troubleshooting

  • If the mixture is too wet, cook off moisture or add a little binder.
  • If browning too quickly, lower the heat.

Substitutions

  • Use a compatible neutral oil if needed.
  • Choose suitable alternatives for dietary requirements.

Variations

  • Adjust herbs or spices to taste.
  • Add seasonal vegetables that suit the dish.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with a crisp green salad.
  • Pair with warm bread or rice.
  • Offer lemon wedges or a suitable sauce.
  • Serve warm as part of a balanced meal.

Make ahead

Measure ingredients and prepare vegetables ahead; refrigerate perishable items and cook shortly before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Food safety

Contains wheat, milk and may contain gluten. Cool before icing or serving.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate promptly; finish close to serving.

How should I store soft cinnamon rolls?

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Serve promptly and refrigerate leftovers safely.

About the author

Hez Arslan

Hez Arslan owns feastdelights.com and also writes practical recipes for everyday home cooking, from familiar Ukrainian dishes to meals inspired by kitchens around the world. His clear, step-by-step guidance helps home cooks approach each recipe with confidence.

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