• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
freebie! download my top 8 dessert recipe ebook

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Erin Lives Whole

Healthy Eats + Delicious Treats

  • Recipe Index
    • Course
      • Appetizers
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch & Dinner
      • Dessert
      • Soup
      • Sides
      • Drinks
      • Snacks
      • Sauces & Dips
    • Dessert Type
      • Bars & Balls
      • Breads & Muffins
      • Brownies
      • Cakes
      • Candy
      • Cookies
      • Frozen
      • Pie & Cobbler
      • Other
    • Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Paleo Friendly
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • Method
      • 30 Minute or Less
      • Air Fryer
      • Grill
      • Instant Pot
      • Meal Prep
      • No Bake
      • One Pot/Pan
      • Oven
      • Stove Top
    • Season
      • Fall
      • Holiday
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
    • Recipe Filter
    • All Recipes
  • Ebooks
  • Shop
  • Lifestyle
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
  • Subscribe to receive latest recipes

    Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

  • Browse by Diet
    • Gluten-Free
    • Dairy-Free
    • Nut-Free
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Drinks
  • Snacks
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
Home Recipes By Dessert Type Other

Best Ever Cinnamon Rolls

108 Reviews Recipe
nf
By: Erin Antoniak • Updated On December 19, 2022

Take breakfast from 1 to 100 with the Best Ever Cinnamon Rolls. These delicious, fluffy rounds of cinnamon goodness are made with extra TLC. Each bite is better than the last!

cinnamon roll on plate

The best cinnamon rolls. Ever.

I’m a firm believer in going all out for breakfast. I mean, why not start your day with something absolutely delicious?!

For this morning treat, I’m showing you how to whip up the best ever cinnamon rolls. I mean it when I say “best.” These homemade cinnamon rolls are filled with everything we love in a sweet treat breakfast: cream cheese, butter, almond milk, and more.

Each bite is perfectly layered with a delicious sprinkling of coconut sugar and cinnamon for the best tasting result. Not to mention, they’re frosted with a cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar combo. It’s a breakfast fit for a king, and for you!

cinnamon roll on plate

Ingredients in homemade cinnamon rolls

This recipe consists of four parts: the dough, filling, topping, and frosting. For each section there are a specific list of ingredients that you’ll need (many of which overlap). For a quick rundown on what you can expect, here is a complete ingredient list:

  • Unsweetened almond milk
  • Melted butter (or coconut oil)
  • Instant yeast
  • Coconut sugar
  • All purpose flour
  • Coconut sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Softened butter
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Salt
  • Vanilla
  • Almond milk
making cinnamon rolls

What you’ll need to make this recipe

This recipe requires quite the list of kitchen tools, but don’t be intimidated! I recommend gathering everything before you begin so that it’s right at your fingertips when needed.

  • 9×13 baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • 2 small mixing bowls
  • Stirring utensil
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap
  • Floss or sharp knife
  • Butter brush
  • Hand mixer or food processor

For measuring, you will need the following sizes: 1/8 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup, 2/3 cup, and 1 cup.

raw cinnamon rolls

How to make the best ever cinnamon rolls

Get ready, because these rolls need your full attention. Though a very easy cinnamon roll recipe to conjure up, the step by step is very detailed! I’ve broken it up into sections to help it be a bit clearer. Any questions? Leave them in the comments below!

Prep the dough

To begin, preheat the oven to 350F and grease a 9×13 dish.

In a large bowl, heat the almond milk and butter in the microwave until they melt and reach a temperature of 110F. This should be luke warm (not hot) in order to activate the yeast.

Next, sprinkle the yeast on top of the mixture and let it sit for ten minutes.

While sitting, mix together the flour and salt in another bowl.

After the milk has set for ten minutes, whisk in the coconut sugar.

Turn off the oven and open the door. I use this as a “warm” place for my rolls to rise during the winter months.

Add the wet ingredients into the flour and stir until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and set in the slightly warm oven with the door open for 45 minutes. The dough should become double in size.

Mix the inside ingredients

While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture by mixing the coconut sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.

Shape the dough

Flour a large surface and place the dough on top. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour. You should be able to form it into a large rectangle shape.

Once in a large rectangle, spread the softened butter on top, and then evenly sprinkle with the sugar mixture.

Roll tightly from one side to the other, keeping it nice and tight the whole time.

Once in a long roll, cut it in half once using floss or a sharp knife (I prefer using floss to cut it).

Cut each half into 6 rolls and place them into the greased baking dish. Brush with melted butter.

Bake the rolls

Turn the oven back on and preheat to 350F with the rolls sitting on top of the oven.

Once preheated, bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until slightly golden.

While baking, prepare the frosting by blending all of the frosting ingredients together with a hand mixer or food processor.

Finally, add the frosting!

Frost the cinnamon rolls while warm, or once cooled if preferred.

Not baking today? No problem!

Complete all the way through step 13 and then you can do one of THREE things.

Refrigerate Overnight

This option is best for if you’re making them the day before. Make through step 13 and then cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, set them in a warm-ish place for an hour. This could be in your oven (previously turned on, but now off) with the door cracked open, on top of an oven that is heating up, or on a slow warming pad. After an hour, head to step 15.

Freeze

This option is best for if you want to make them a few days before. Make through step 13 and then cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, take out of freezer and set them in a warm-ish place for an hour. This could be in your oven (previously turned on, but now off) with the door cracked open, on top of an oven that is heating up, or on a slow warming pad. After an hour (if still frozen, let thaw longer), head to step 15.

Bake the day before

Complete all steps of cinnamon rolls, just skip the icing for now. Bake completely. In the morning, heat back up in oven at 400 for 10 minutes. Then add icing.

cinnamon rolls grabbing by hand
cinnamon roll on plate with fork

Storing extra rolls

Leftover cinnamon rolls can be kept in an airtight container and left at room temperature or placed in the fridge.

Before enjoying, I recommend heating in the microwave for about 10 seconds to loosen up the frosting and make them feel fresh out of the oven!

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Looking for more breakfasts that will help you start your day on a “sweet” foot? Here are some of my favorites!

  • Cake Batter Overnight Oats
  • Healthy Pumpkin Spice Granola
  • Paleo Cinnamon Coffee Cake
  • Paleo Lemon Blueberry Muffins
  • Healthy Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe
cinnamon roll on plate
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 108 reviews

Best Ever Cinnamon Rolls

Take breakfast from 1 to 100 with the Best Ever Cinnamon Rolls. These delicious, fluffy rounds of cinnamon goodness are made with extra TLC. Each bite is better than the last!

Prep: 80 Cook: 20 Total: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield 12 rolls 1x
Scale
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • .25oz package instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or white sugar)
  • 2.5 cups bread flour (all purpose flour works as well)
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Inside:

  • 1 cup coconut sugar (sub white sugar)
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup softened butter

Topping:

  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1 8oz block cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 tbsp almond milk

Alternate simple icing:

  • 2 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp almond milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease 9×13 dish.
  2. In a large bowl, heat almond milk and butter until melted and 110- 120F. This should be luke warm, not hot, in order to activate the yeast. I used my microwave to heat.
  3. Sprinkle yeast on top of warm milk mixture and let sit for ten minutes.
  4. While sitting, mix together flour and salt in another bowl.
  5. After milk has sat for ten minutes, whisk in coconut sugar.
  6. Once oven has reached temperature, turn it off and open door.  I use this as a ‘warm’ place for my rolls to rise during the winter months.
  7. Add wet ingredients into flour and stir until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and set in slightly warm oven with open door for 45 minutes. The dough should double in size.
  8. While dough is rising, prepare cinnamon sugar mixture by mixing coconut sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
  9. Generously flour a large surface and dump dough onto it. If dough is too sticky, add more flour. You should be able to form it into a large rectangle shape.
  10. Once in a large rectangle, spread softened butter on top. Then evenly sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture.
  11. Roll tightly from one side to the other, keeping it nice and tight the whole time.
  12. Once in a long roll, cut in half once using floss or a sharp knife (I prefer using floss to cut it)
  13. Cut each half into 6 rolls and place them into a greased baking dish. Brush with melted butter.
  14. Turn oven back on and preheat to 350F with rolls sitting on top of oven.
  15. Once preheated, bake rolls for 25-30 minutes or until slightly golden.
  16. While baking, prepare frosting by blending all of the ingredients together with a hand mixer or a food processor.
  17. Frost cinnamon rolls when still warm, or once cooled if preferred.
Author: Erin Antoniak Category: breakfast, holiday Method: oven Cuisine: American

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

erinliveswhole

You May Also Like...

  • slice of coffee cake on plate
    Paleo Cinnamon Coffee Cake
  • slice of pumpkin coffee cake
    Healthy Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe
  • Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cookie
  • slice of coffee cake on plate
    Paleo Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Previous Post
Next Post

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love seeing what you made!

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
Recipe Rating




  1. Amber says

    Posted on 12/31 at 4:01 pm

    Hey! Can’t wait to try this. We are trying to stay away from intense sugars – wonder if you have an alternative for powdered sugar?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/5 at 2:50 pm

      Hi Amber, you can blend coconut sugar in a high powered blender for homemade coconut powdered sugar! Or us Monkfruit powdered.

      Reply
  2. Carolyn says

    Posted on 12/30 at 11:33 am

    These came out great! I used gluten free all purpose flour. Is there any recommended way to save leftovers? Freezer vs fridge?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/4 at 4:02 pm

      Hi Carolyn, so happy to hear that! You can freeze them for longer or fridge up to 5 days!

      Reply
  3. Maria says

    Posted on 12/29 at 10:18 pm

    I dont recommend this with coconut oil at all! While resting it oozed oil and looks nothing like the yeasty happiness I would expect. Will have to try again with butter 🙁

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/30 at 11:13 am

      Hi Maria, sorry they didn’t turn out well. Maybe next time using less coconut oil. Hope they come out better next time!

      Reply
  4. Dani says

    Posted on 12/28 at 7:35 pm

    These were beyond delicious and so so easy! I bake bread pretty often and this dough came together with the exact amount of flour the recipe calls for (which NEVER happens for me). I subbed oat milk because that’s what was in my fridge at the time of baking and it worked perfectly. Wish I could give it more stars!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/30 at 11:08 am

      Hi Dani, I am so glad to hear you enjoyed it and made them your own! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Meaghan says

    Posted on 12/25 at 1:20 pm

    My family made these on Christmas morning, and they were a huge hit! So fluffy and amazing! Perfect recipe 😊

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/28 at 12:06 am

      Hi Meaghan, I am so happy everyone loved them!

      Reply
  6. Emily says

    Posted on 12/25 at 11:39 am

    Just made these for Christmas morning and they were so delicious!! An amazing upgrade from our usual canned cinnamon rolls. Will definitely make again! Also used light brown sugar instead of coconut and they turned out great.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/28 at 12:05 am

      Hi Emily, I am thrilled you loved them!!

      Reply
  7. izzy says

    Posted on 12/24 at 12:38 pm

    what gluten free flours have people used and said it worked?? Thanks!!

    Reply
  8. Katy says

    Posted on 12/24 at 4:24 am

    Can I just use a handled tool for the frosting if I don’t have a handheld mixer or food processor?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/27 at 11:54 pm

      Hi Katy, yes that should be fine. Just will require some extra muscle. Let me know how they come out!

      Reply
  9. Lexie says

    Posted on 12/23 at 10:18 am

    Hi Erin!

    Can I use active yeast instead of instant yeast? I’m not sure what the difference is, if any.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/23 at 12:43 pm

      Hi Lexie, yes that should work just fine! Let me know how the rolls come out!

      Reply
  10. Amy says

    Posted on 12/20 at 10:54 pm

    Made these today and they are outrageously delicious. I used cup4cup gluten free flour and they came out perfect. My entire family could not get over how good they were. Warning – it’s hard to just eat one! Thank you Erin for another home-run recipe. You never disappoint!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/21 at 1:18 pm

      Hi Amy, I love hearing that! So happy everyone loved them!!

      Reply
  11. Rachel B. says

    Posted on 12/20 at 12:32 pm

    Okay so cinnamon rolls has always come from the can. It intimidated me with the raising and proofing…but this recipe made me come out of my hiding. Erin made it look so simple so I put it to the test and it WOWED me. So delicious and for sure fool proof. Every step of the way was spot on. The cinnamon rolls I am not sure I can even go back to the can again. AMAZING!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/21 at 1:14 pm

      Hi Rachel, I am so happy you made them and enjoyed them!! No more cans anymore! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Jenna Day says

    Posted on 12/19 at 10:47 pm

    Hey erin, going to make these day before xmas also, at what point do you put in frdige or leave out over night?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/23 at 12:51 pm

      Hi Jenna, you can put in fridge then let rest in a warm place for 30 minutes Christmas morning, then bake!

      Reply
  13. Erica says

    Posted on 12/19 at 3:53 pm

    Can I use light brown sugar instead of coconut sugar?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/21 at 1:11 pm

      Hi Erica, yes that should be fine. I haven’t tried the recipe with it, so let me know how they come out!

      Reply
  14. Stephanie Maxim says

    Posted on 12/17 at 11:26 pm

    Hi Erin, these look amazing and I would love to serve for Christmas morning! Is it possible to prep the rolls the night before, then cook the next morning? Or would you recommend just making them the day before and reheating in the morning?
    Also, do you think oat milk could work instead of the almond milk? We have a nut allergy in the family.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/18 at 12:08 pm

      Hi Stephanie, yes you can definitely roll them and cook in the morning or reheat that morning- whatever is best for you! Also, yes oat milk is great too! Let me know how they come out! 🙂

      Reply
    • Brit says

      Posted on 12/23 at 10:03 pm

      Have made these numerous times and they’re the best. If I want to make them Christmas morning, would you put the dough in the fridge before or after cutting it into the individual buns? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Erin says

        Posted on 12/26 at 12:25 pm

        Hi Brit, so glad you loved them and I suggest cutting them into buns first and then refrigerating. How did they come out?

  15. Carla says

    Posted on 12/17 at 8:56 pm

    Hi Erin, if I was to use almond flour instead of regular flour. Do I cook it the same amount of time? I assume to use the same amount.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/18 at 12:06 pm

      Hi Carla, yes the cook time should be the same. Just keep an eye on them!

      Reply
    • Jamie says

      Posted on 1/3 at 7:44 pm

      The BEST cinnamon rolls I’ve ever had!! 🙂

      Reply
      • Erin says

        Posted on 1/4 at 3:19 pm

        Hi Jamie, so happy you love them!

  16. Christine says

    Posted on 12/17 at 8:45 pm

    This looks incredible! Do I use salted or unsalted butter for this recipe? I may make these for Christmas morning!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/21 at 1:20 pm

      Hi Christine, thank you and either works. I use unsalted for all baking. Let me know how they come out this week!

      Reply
  17. Marla says

    Posted on 12/17 at 8:19 pm

    Hi Erin,
    This looks so amazing and I have all of the ingredients except for coconut sugar. If I use regular white sugar do I use the same amount or a bit less? Not sure if white sugar is sweeter . Thanks!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/21 at 1:19 pm

      Hi Marla, thank you and yes you can use white sugar, just do less!

      Reply
  18. Rachel says

    Posted on 12/17 at 6:36 pm

    Hi!! Looks amazing, would it be possible to make GF? Like with Bobs Red Mill cup for cup for example?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/18 at 12:03 pm

      Hi Rachel, yes that should be fine. I haven’t tried them with any other flours, but feel free to try and let me know how it comes out!

      Reply
  19. Alexis says

    Posted on 12/17 at 6:12 pm

    Hi!! Is there a way to make these gluten free? 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/18 at 12:02 pm

      Hi Alexis, yes, you can use a gf flour!

      Reply
  20. Morgan says

    Posted on 12/17 at 6:06 pm

    Yum!! Is there any way to prep the dough the day before baking? Would love to serve for Christmas morning with the prep all taken care of.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/18 at 12:02 pm

      Hi Morgan, yes you definitely can!

      Reply
Newer Comments

Primary Sidebar

erin in front of a building

Hey there!

I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

grocery lists

Shop My Grocery Downloads

Do you head to the grocery store and feel overwhelmed with all of the options? Well, I've created FIVE downloadable and printable grocery lists from five different and popular grocery stores. All of my absolute must haves from Whole Foods, Target, a regular grocer, Trader Joe's, and Costco!

Shop Now

Popular Posts

chickpea brownie on a tray

Chickpea Brownies

bite out of healthy cookie dough ball

Healthy Cookie Dough Balls

cauliflower wings on plate

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

pouring syrup on stack of oatmeal blender pancakes

Oatmeal Blender Pancakes

Trending Recipes

avocado corn salad

Summer Avocado Corn Salad

cilantro lime shrimp on plate

Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice

paleo cookie skillet with ice cream

Healthy Cookie Skillet

banana bread muffin on a rack

Paleo Banana Bread Muffins

Featured On

good housekeeping logo
parade logo
feed feed logo
business insider logo
everyday health logo
country living logo
bar desserts
truffles
bar desserts
bar desserts
muffins
vanilla birthday cake with chocolate icing

Get latest updates To your inbox!

Back to Top
© 2026 Erin Lives Whole
  • Privacy Policy
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
cinnamon rolls
cinnamon rolls