Grammy’s BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe (2024)

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If you want to make the very best cinnamon rolls then you will love my Grammy’s cinnamon roll recipe. They are easy to make and taste deliciously old fashioned.

Grammy’s BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe (1)

Table Of Contents

1Ingredients for BEST Cinnamon Rolls

3Grammy’s BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe

3.1Ingredients

3.2Instructions

3.3Notes

3.4Did you make this recipe?

But I can’t take the credit, this is my Grandma Betty’s original recipe, that my mom has played with and perfected over the years. She makes this EVERY Christmas Eve for use to enjoy on Christmas Day. And truly, this is the best homemade cinnamon roll recipe I’ve ever made.

This recipe won’t let you down, so amazing and it these definitely have that “made from scratch” awesomeness.

Ingredients for BEST Cinnamon Rolls

1 C. Milk (2% or whole milk work best)
1/4 C. Shortening
1 package active dry yeast (I prefer Fleischmann’s RapidRise for a better rise, but any yeast will work)
2 well beaten eggs
1/4 C. Sugar
1 t. salt
1/4 C. warm water
3 1/2 Cups Flour (All Purpose Flour or Bread Flour)
Butter (to spread on rolled dough)
Ingredients for cinnamon sugar mixture for sprinkling: Sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon

How to make Grandma Betty’s Cinnamon Rolls

Combine milk, shortening, sugar and salt.

Cook on stove just until bubbles form around edge of pot. (don’t boil)

Cool to lukewarm. I then add the warm milk mixture to my mixing bowl and do everything from this point on in the mixer.

Add yeast to 1/4 cup very warm water (check temperature on yeast package to activate) then add water/yeast mixture to the lukewarm milk mixture.

Add Eggs. Gradually stir in flour to form soft dough. Beat vigorously. Cover with damp cloth and let the dough rise. For this first rise, let it rise until double – turn out onto a floured surface; knead dough slightly. For the second rise – let rise again for 10 minutes (covered).

Use a rolling pin to roll out to 1/4″ – spread on butter and then sprinkle with white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and raisins (optional). How much you add is really up to you, I like to do a nice thin coat of white sugar and then follow with a matching amount of brown sugar and then the cinnamon.

Roll it up (like a rug, literally) and then cut into slices. Place the unbaked rolls in pans and cover, let rise again to double.

Bake at 350degrees for 15 minutes (or until cinnamon buns are golden brown)

Grammy’s BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe (2)

Once they come out of the oven, make your icing (I use 4 cups powdered sugar and just add milk – it doesn’t take much at all, so add very slowly and carefully) and a touch of vanilla. Spread/drizzle icing over the top of the warm rolls and let them continue to cool.

Pure heaven right there in your kitchen, and you’ll love the fragrance of that very first batch, so good!

I have started using parchment paper under my rolls and I don’t think it necessarily makes them taste or bakeany better, but it does help with easy of serving and clean up.

I have also started usingFleischmann’s RapidRise yeast packets and I feel like I get a better rise out of them however, that might vary depending on where you live, climate, etc. Another pro tip: the more butter, the more flavor they’ll have so if you really want to make them extra heavenly, you can add extra butter (don’t add too much butter or the only thing they’ll be greasy) but I have learned that a little bit more does make them even more delicious in terms of yummy gooey cinnamon rolls go.

This recipe is also a wonderful one for making gifts for family members and friends. It’s a simple recipe that is wonderful for any special occasion and as I mentioned, it really is the best homemade cinnamon rolls recipe that I’ve tried. It makes wonderfully fluffy cinnamon rolls and is so much better than other recipes I’ve tested over the years.

I have tried these with cream cheese frosting, so that’s another option if you are looking for ways to change them up. It’s such a delicious recipe that you can kind of play with the different options once you’ve made it a few times. It’s been one of the most popular recipes on my blog for years and I get compliments on it all the time.

To store your cinnamon rolls cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh until the next day – that is – if you have any left over!

If you want to get creative, you could even turn these into fun Santa Cinnamon Rolls like we did last year!

As I mentioned above, my mom always sends us home with a pan of these on Christmas Eve. Such a fun part of our Christmas, a tradition that we look forward to every year. What Christmas traditions do you have?

Grammy’s BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe (3)

The very BEST Cinnamon Roll recipe is my Grammy's recipe. It's one that never disappoints and we make it every year. So easy and perfect for the holidays or any time of year. You can make this with or without raisins.

Ingredients

  • 1 C. Milk
  • 1/4 C. Shortening
  • 1 package yeast (I preferFleischmann’s RapidRise for a better rise, but any yeast will work)
  • 2 well beaten eggs
  • 1/4 C. Sugar
  • 1 t. salt
  • 1/4 C. warm water
  • 3 1/2 C. Flour

Instructions

    Butter (to spread on rolled dough)
    Ingredients for sprinkling: Sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon
    Combine milk, shortening, sugar and salt.
    Cook on stove just until bubbles form around edge of pot. (don’t boil)
    Cool to lukewarm. I then add the milk mixture to my mixing bowl and do everything from this point on in the mixer.
    Add yeast to 1/4 cup very warm water (check temperature on yeast package to activate) then add water/yeast mixture to the lukewarm milk mixture.
    Add Eggs. Gradually stir in flour to form soft dough. Beat vigorously. Cover with damp cloth. Let rise until double – turn out onto a floured surface; knead dough slightly. Let rise 10 minutes (covered).
    Roll out to 1/4″ – spread on butter and then sprinkle with white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and raisins(optional). How much you add is really up to you, I like to do a nice thin coat of white sugar and then follow with a matching amount of brown sugar and then the cinnamon.
    Roll it up (like a rug, literally) and then cut into slices. Place in pans and cover, let rise again to double.

    Bake at 350degrees for 15 minutes (or until golden)

Notes

Once they come out of the oven, make your icing (I use 4 cups powdered sugar and just add milk (doesn’t take much at all, so add very slowly and carefully) and a touch of vanilla. Spread/drizzle icing over the top of them and let them continue to cool.

I have started using parchment paper under my rolls and I don’t think it necessarily makes them taste or bakeany better, but it does help with easy of serving and clean up. I have also started usingFleischmann’s RapidRise yeast packets and I feel like I get a better rise out of them however, that might vary depending on where you live, climate, etc.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Facebook

Grammy’s BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why pour milk on cinnamon rolls before baking? ›

The heavy cream absorbs the cinnamon, sugar, and butter that leaks from the insides of the rolls as they bake to create a glorious cinnamon sugar syrup for the bottom of your rolls.

Is bread flour or all purpose better for cinnamon rolls? ›

Bread flour has more protein than all-purpose flour, making it a better option for pastries. Most people recommend baking cinnamon rolls with bread flour, as this creates a fluffier and softer cinnamon roll. Though all-purpose flour will also work to create tasty cinnamon rolls.

Is heavy whipping cream the same as heavy cream? ›

Is Heavy Cream the Same as Heavy Whipping Cream? Yes, heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are the exact same thing. The confusion lies in the fact that they're sold by different brands under two different names.

Can you use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? ›

Adding butter helps increase the fat percentage of half-and-half, making it a suitable alternative to heavy cream in almost any recipe, including those that require whipping. You can also use half-and-half to replace heavy cream without adding butter in certain recipes, such as sauces and soups.

Should the cinnamon rolls touch or be kept apart while baking? ›

Give Your Rolls Space

Place the formed cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet 1-2 inches apart to ensure an even, full rise.

Should cinnamon rolls be touching when baking? ›

Place the cinnamon rolls into your prepared pan, with little room between each roll and ½ inch from the edge of the pan. Lightly press down on each roll so that the edges of each roll barely touch each other, and improve their round form if needed.

Should cinnamon rolls be room temperature before baking? ›

Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before baking. Pick the option that works best for you, but don't chill longer than 2 days total.

What is the secret ingredient in Cinnabon? ›

Cinnabon's Secret Ingredient

This special Indonesian cinnamon, called Makara, is trademarked by Cinnabon. And because of that trademark, you won't find this product in your local grocery store spice aisle.

What type of flour is best for cinnamon rolls? ›

Use bread flour: bread flour is available at most grocery stores and it makes ALL the difference in achieving softer, fluffy, perfect cinnamon rolls. JUST TRUST ME. Make sure you flour your work surface and the rolling pin: this is to prevent the cinnamon rolls from sticking to the surface or to the rolling pin.

Why do you put milk in cinnamon rolls? ›

Milk: Milk is a popular choice for cinnamon roll dough as it adds richness and tenderness to the texture. Whole milk, in particular, can provide a creamy and soft crumb. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use low-fat or non-fat milk.

How do you Dr up cinnamon rolls? ›

13 Ways To Upgrade Store-Bought Cinnamon Rolls
  1. Don't forget the maple bacon. JRJfin/Shutterstock. ...
  2. Make monkey bread instead. ...
  3. Brûlée the top with extra sugar. ...
  4. Add coffee to the frosting. ...
  5. Customize the shape with aluminum foil. ...
  6. Pour in heavy whipping cream. ...
  7. Give cinnamon roll bread pudding a shot. ...
  8. Top with candied nuts.
Oct 4, 2023

Why are my cinnamon rolls always hard? ›

Don't Overbake Cinnamon Rolls

Overbaked cinnamon rolls are tough and chewy instead of light and pillowy. Since it can be a bit tricky to know when rolls are fully baked, use a digital thermometer. Bake cinnamon rolls until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches between 190°and 200°F.

Why are my homemade cinnamon rolls tough? ›

You want a pan of puffy-looking rolls even before baking. Additionally, be sure to add only as much flour as you need to make a workable dough. This is a soft and tacky dough and it's not supposed to be tough and hard. Too much flour will give you stiff, dense, dry cinnamon rolls.

Why pour heavy cream over cinnamon rolls before baking? ›

Pouring heavy cream over cinnamon rolls before baking will add richness and moisture to the roll.

What does heavy cream do in baking? ›

Heavy cream is a good choice when decorating pies or cakes, or for thickening sauces and ganache. Heavy cream is also great for making ice cream and soup. Whipping cream is a bit lighter since it contains less fat than heavy cream, and has about 30 to 36 percent milk fat.

Why do you use heavy cream in baking? ›

It whips better and holds its shape longer than its whipping cream counterpart, which is why it's used for everything from pastry fillings to pipings. It has a long shelf life in the fridge and can even be frozen and used in a heavy cream recipe later on.

What can I put on top of cinnamon rolls? ›

Classic Sweet Cinnamon Roll Toppings
  • Cream Cheese Frosting. This frosting is just the right mix of sweetness and tanginess, with a creamy texture that perfectly complements the warm, gooey rolls. ...
  • Vanilla Glaze. ...
  • Sugar Glaze. ...
  • Caramel Drizzle. ...
  • Chocolate Sauce. ...
  • Coffee Glaze.
Nov 5, 2023

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