Quick and Simple Honey Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Is there anything better than a delicious honey cinnamon roll in the morning—or afternoon—or, well, any time of day or night? If you are a lover of cinnamon rolls like I am, you will fall in love with this Quick and Simple Honey Cinnamon Roll Recipe.

I can think of few foods more comforting and nostalgic than a good cinnamon roll. Cinnamon rolls bring to mind heading to the mall as a teenager, the scent of Cinnabun wafting through the air; it also brings to mind a lazy Saturday morning, when I sometimes like to bake cinnamon rolls to pair with coffee or, for the kids, fresh orange juice.

A regular cinnamon roll recipe is delicious enough, but I’ve never been one to settle for “delicious enough”—especially when it comes to sugary sweet rolls that are designed to be indulgent, amazing, and sure to end up on anyone’s “most requested baked good” list.

But how to make cinnamon rolls more exciting than they already are? One word: honey. Yes, honey. Honey is decadent without being overbearing or cloying. It also adds a unique type of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the traditional icing in a cinnamon roll.

You can use any honey for this honey cinnamon roll recipe, too, which means you can experiment with different brands and batches. When I’ve made this with floral honey, it has a unique twist that gives it an even more special “oomph” than using regular store-brand honey.

Of course, even store-brand honey is going to turn this delicious treat into something special, so don’t feel that you have to splurge on something from a farmer’s market.

Of course, you might be wondering: how long is it going to take me to bake these? As a busy person myself, who often juggles work and home and everything in between, I know that time is precious.

And sometimes you just don’t have the time, energy, or ability to spend a lot of time baking in the kitchen. Mixing, measuring, pouring, and wiping down the inevitable dough spills before someone else heads into the kitchen and sees the mess you’ve made… can be a lot sometimes.

This is why I think that this recipe is going to surprise you: it’s incredibly quick, easy, and perfect for beginner bakers who are a bit nervous about getting their feet wet.

Ingredients

Roll Rough

• 1 cup milk at room temperature
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp table salt
• 4½ tsp rapid-rise yeast about 2 packages
• 4½ cup flour
• 1 egg

Cinnamon Filling

• Cinnamon Filling
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup sugar
• ⅓ cup honey or molasses
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 2½ tbsp unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioner sugar

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish
• Parchment paper or grease for lining
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

How To Make Honey Cinnamon Roll

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2:

Melt the butter. Combine in a medium bowl with room-temperature milk, sugar, and salt. The mixture should be warm but not hot (between 105-110 F if using a thermometer) In a large bowl, combine the yeast with 2 cups of flour and yeast until well mixed.

Step 3:

Stir the butter mixture into the flour and yeast mixture. Add in the egg and mix until well combined.

Step 4:

Slowly add in the remaining 2 cups of flour about ½ cup at a time. You may not need to use all of the flour, the dough needs to pull away from the bowl easily. If the dough is too sticky, continue to add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until the right consistency.

Step 5:

Rest dough for 10 minutes.

Step 6:

Meanwhile, line a baking dish with parchment paper or grease well.

Step 7:

Sprinkle a cutting board or counter with flour and roll out the dough until about 12×16 inches. Spread softened butter over the dough, being sure to go right to the edges leaving a 1-inch strip without butter on the outer edges.

Step 8:

Next, spread the honey sugar filling across the buttered dough, leaving the 1-inch strip. Roll the dough into a tight, even log and seal the seam by pinching it together.

Step 9:

Slice the rolls into 1 ½ inch rounds and place into the baking dish. Cover the pan with a damp towel and set it in a warm spot for 25 minutes until puffy (may need longer to rise depending on your yeast).

Step 10:

Place into oven and bake for 20-22 minutes until the tops are a light golden brown.

Step 11:

While the rolls are baking, mix the cream cheese and butter. Add in the vanilla and sugar (about ½ cup at a time) until well blended and smooth.

Step 12:

Once rolls are finished let cool slightly, and then frost well.

Some Tips

• Pay attention to the temperature of the milk mixture when combining it with the yeast. It should be warm but not hot (around 105-110°F) to activate the yeast properly.
• As you add flour to the dough, aim for a consistency where the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl easily.
• When rolling out the dough, leave a small border around the edges without filling to prevent it from oozing out. This ensures clean, well-defined rolls after baking.

What to Eat with Rolls?

Enjoy warm Honey Cinnamon Rolls with classic bacon and eggs. The savory bacon and perfectly cooked eggs complement the sweetness of the rolls for a satisfying meal.

For dessert, A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the rolls. The warm rolls paired with ice cream create a good feeling, My kids love this combination.

FAQ

Can I freeze the rolls before baking?

Yes! Slice the rolls, place them in a baking dish, then tightly cover them with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw the rolls in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with baking as usual.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour but expect denser rolls with a slightly nuttier flavor. For a lighter texture, try using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight?

Absolutely! After preparing the dough, place it in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make Heavenly Honey Cinnamon Rolls, it’s time to bake! Share this recipe with your friends and family, and remember to subscribe to my blog for more tasty recipes like this Quick and Simple Honey Cinnamon Roll Recipe.