Warm Hugs in Every Bite: The Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something magical about waking up to the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls—warm, soft, and lovingly made. These cinnamon rolls are the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, wrapped in the kind of love that only home-baked goods can offer.

A Little History

The origin of the cinnamon roll is a hotly debated topic, much like the best way to enjoy it—warm and gooey or perfectly spiced. While the Swedes proudly claim its roots trace back to their country in the 1920s, other Nordic nations each offer their own cherished tales of this beloved sweet roll. Regardless of its exact birthplace, the cinnamon bun has firmly woven itself into the fabric of Scandinavian baking. It is often enjoyed during fika—a delightful tradition where friends gather over coffee and pastries, celebrating connection, warmth, and the simple joy of sharing (Nikel, 2023).

Known by many names, the cinnamon roll reflects the love and care that goes into its creation. In Sweden, it’s called kanelbulle, while in Denmark, it is lovingly referred to as kanelsnegle. Norwegians delight in kanelboller, skillingsboller, or kanelsnurrer, and in Finland, it’s known as korvapuusti. In Austria and Germany, it is cherished as zimtschnecken (The Sussex Kitchen, 2024).

Over time, the concept of cinnamon rolls has spread across the globe, becoming a beloved treat in various cultures, particularly in North America, where they are often served warm, drizzled with icing. These delightful rolls are especially enjoyed in colder weather, providing comforting warmth with their soft, pillowy texture and the inviting scent of cinnamon and sugar. Today, cinnamon rolls have become synonymous with moments of togetherness, shared laughter, and the joy of baking—truly a love language of their own (The Sussex Kitchen, 2024).

 Here at Her Love Language, we’re excited to share a recipe that not only embodies this cherished tradition but also allows you to infuse your love into every swirl of dough.

The Recipe: Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk

• 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 large egg

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast

• 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

  
  

For the Filling:

• 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

  
  

For the Glaze:

Option A: Classic Sugar Glaze

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

• 2-3 tablespoons milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  
  

Option B: Cream Cheese Glaze

• 3 oz (85 g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• A pinch of salt

  
  

  Instructions

  
  

• Prepare the Dough (By Hand):

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and softened butter. Stir in the sugar, then add the salt and the egg. Mix everything with a spatula until combined. Then, whisk the mixture to remove any bubbles and ensure a smooth consistency.

  
  

  2. Gradually add half of the flour and mix until the texture resembles pancake batter. Once smooth, fold in the remaining flour using a spatula until a dough forms. The dough should be dry to the touch but not sticky.

  
  

• Prepare the Dough (Stand Mixer Option):

  1. If you’re using a stand mixer, start by combining all the wet ingredients (warm milk, softened butter, sugar, salt, egg, and yeast) in the mixer bowl. Attach the paddle attachment and mix on low speed.

  
  

  2. Gradually add half of the flour, mixing until the mixture looks like pancake batter. Switch to the dough hook attachment and continue mixing while adding the remaining flour. You’ll know the dough is ready when it pulls away from the sides of the bowl and has a smooth, dry touch—not sticky or wet.

  
  

• Knead the Dough (By Hand):

  1. Lightly flour your surface, then place the dough on it. With your left hand, hold the section of the dough closest to you, and with your right hand, gently stretch the dough forward. Once you’ve stretched it out, take the end of the dough that you just stretched and fold it inward towards yourself, like folding a piece of paper in half. Rotate the dough so it’s now vertical in front of you, and repeat the process—stretch forward, fold back in, rotate—continuing for 8-10 minutes.

  2. To check if the dough is ready, grab a small piece of it and stretch it out, holding it up to the light. If you can see light through the centre without the dough breaking, then it’s perfectly kneaded and ready to rise!

  
  

• Let the Dough Rise: Once your dough is kneaded, lightly grease a large bowl with oil. Place the dough into the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size—this should take about 1 to 1 ½ hours, but keep an eye on it and check when it’s visibly doubled.

Proofed dough

• Preheat the Oven: Before you start cutting the cinnamon rolls, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s ready when you are.

• Shape the Dough: After the dough has doubled in size, lightly flour your surface again and place the dough on it. Sprinkle a bit more flour on top of the dough and begin to flatten it out. Shape the dough into a rectangle—if you prefer precise measurements, aim for a 12x18-inch rectangle (about 30x45 cm). If not, simply shape it by eye.

  
  

• Prepare the Filling: For the filling, you can prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture in two ways. My personal favourite is to mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together to form a paste, which makes it easy to spread evenly over the dough. Alternatively, you can spread the butter over the dough first, followed by sprinkling the sugar and cinnamon separately.

  
  

• Spread the Filling and Roll: Once the filling is ready, spread it evenly over the flattened dough. Now, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, ensuring it’s as compact as possible to give your cinnamon rolls that beautiful swirl.

Dough with cinnamon roll filling

• Cut the Rolls: Grab a non-flavoured floss (make sure it’s flavourless to avoid altering the taste of your rolls) and use it to cut the dough into evenly sized rolls. This method keeps the shape perfect and prevents squishing.

  
  

• Shape the Cinnamon Rolls: After cutting your cinnamon rolls with the floss, place them onto the greased or lined baking tray, leaving a bit of space between each roll. Let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes to an hour, allowing them to puff up nicely.

  
  

  

  Proofed cinnamon rolls

• Bake the Cinnamon Rolls: Once they’ve risen, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool slightly before adding the glaze.

  
  

• Prepare the Glaze: Here are two delicious glaze options you can choose from:

  1. Classic Sugar Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup (120 g) of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the glaze is smooth and drizzle it over the cinnamon rolls while they’re still warm.

  
  

  2. Cream Cheese Glaze: In a small bowl, combine 3 oz (85 g) of softened cream cheese, 1 cup (120 g) of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy, then spread over the rolls once they have cooled slightly. This glaze adds a rich, tangy finish that pairs beautifully with the sweet cinnamon rolls.

Freshly baked cinnamon rolls

As you pull apart these fluffy cinnamon rolls, let their warm, sweet aroma fill your home with love and comfort. Each bite is not just a treat; it’s a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing homemade goodness with those we care about. Whether you enjoy them with family on a Sunday morning or surprise a friend with a batch, these rolls are bound to create cherished memories.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe! Did these cinnamon rolls bring a little extra sweetness to your day? Please share your experiences and any variations you tried in the comments below. Your feedback means the world to me!

Thank you for joining me on this delightful journey at Her Love Language, where every recipe tells a story of love and connection. Here’s to more baking adventures filled with warmth and joy—one roll at a time!

From her kitchen, with love ♡