Soft and Easy Cinnamon Scrolls Recipe

If you love warm, comforting baked treats filled with sweet cinnamon and topped with luscious frosting, then these Soft and Easy Cinnamon Scrolls are absolutely for you. They are perfectly soft and fluffy with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl that melts in your mouth, and the creamy cream cheese frosting adds just the right touch of indulgence. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special dessert, these scrolls bring a huge smile with every bite, and I promise you’ll want to make them again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Soft and Easy Cinnamon Scrolls recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—milk and yeast help create soft, airy dough; butter and sugar infuse richness and sweetness; while cinnamon delivers that iconic spicy warmth.

• 375 g whole milk warmed to 43C / 110F: Warm milk activates the yeast and adds a creamy base for the dough.
• 45 g granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast for a good rise and subtly sweetens the dough.
• 7 g active dry yeast or instant dry yeast: The essential leavening agent to make the scrolls fluffy.
• 525 g all-purpose flour sifted: Provides structure and gives those scrolls their soft yet sturdy texture.
• 1 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1 egg lightly beaten (55g): Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• 7 g vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a delicate aroma.
• 85 g unsalted butter cubed and softened: Creates tenderness in the dough.
• 125 g unsalted butter softened (for filling): Must be soft enough to spread easily but not melted.
• 200 g brown sugar: Gives deep caramel notes to the cinnamon swirl.
• 18 g cinnamon powder: The star spice that delivers that classic flavor.
• 1/4 tsp salt (for filling): A pinch to balance the sugary filling.
• 15 g flour (for filling): Helps bind the cinnamon filling to prevent oozing.
• 125 g cream cheese softened (for frosting): For irresistibly smooth and tangy frosting.
• 30 g unsalted butter softened (for frosting): Adds creaminess to the frosting.
• 75 g powdered sugar sifted (for frosting): Sweetens and lightens the cream cheese frosting.
• 7 g vanilla extract (for frosting): Complements the frosting with a gentle sweetness.

How to Make Soft and Easy Cinnamon Scrolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming the milk to about 43°C (110°F), just perfect to wake up your yeast without killing it. Combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large jug and give it a good stir. Then set it aside in a cozy warm place for around 5 minutes. You’ll notice it froths slightly, a sure sign that your yeast is happily active and ready to work its magic in your dough.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Into the bowl of a stand mixer, add your sifted flour, salt, activated milk mixture, lightly beaten egg, vanilla extract, and softened butter cubes. Fit your mixer with the dough hook and let it mix on a low speed for about 15 minutes, or until you have a smooth, elastic dough that feels soft yet resilient. This slow mixing really develops that beautiful structure that gives you soft but well-shaped scrolls.

Step 3: First Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl and transfer your dough there. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge, allowing your dough to slowly rise for at least 1 hour or even overnight. The slow, cool rise does wonders for flavor depth and texture, creating a dough that’s even more tender and flavorful. Expect it to double in size—patience is key!

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling

While your dough is resting, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon powder, salt, and flour in a bowl. Use a spatula to work them until you get a luscious paste. This filling is what makes these scrolls dreamy — it’s spicy, sweet, and spreadable without being runny.

Step 5: Roll and Form Scrolls

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a well-floured surface. Roll it into a neat rectangle about 60 x 40 cm (24 x 16 inches). Spread your cinnamon filling thickly and evenly across the dough using a spatula. Carefully roll it from one long edge to the other, taking your time to keep the roll tight and tidy. Slice the roll into two halves, place them in the fridge for 30 minutes or freeze for 10 minutes to firm up — this step makes slicing them perfectly much easier.

Step 6: Slice and Second Rise

Using a sharp, large knife and a ruler if you like precision, slice each roll into 6 equal pieces so you’ll have 12 beautiful scrolls. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space for them to puff up. Cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap and leave them in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour. They will almost double in size, becoming puffy and soft before baking.

Step 7: Bake Your Scrolls

Preheat your fan-forced oven to 170°C (340°F) or 190°C (375°F) without fan about 15 minutes before baking. Place the scrolls in the middle rack and bake for 25 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cinnamon filling bubbles and caramelizes beautifully. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine at this stage.

Step 8: Cream Cheese Frosting

While the scrolls bake, whip up your frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy. Then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed first, then ramping it up to high until the frosting is fluffy and irresistible. Add a splash of milk if you want a thinner consistency — remember, the frosting will melt beautifully if you spread it on warm scrolls, soaking into every crevice.

How to Serve Soft and Easy Cinnamon Scrolls

Garnishes

These scrolls are stunning on their own with the cream cheese frosting, but you can add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top for some crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can take presentation and flavor up a notch. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries adds a wonderful contrast to the sweet, buttery rolls.

Side Dishes

Pair your Soft and Easy Cinnamon Scrolls with a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chai latte for an irresistible morning treat. For a brunch spread, they go wonderfully with fresh fruit salads, Greek yogurt, or scrambled eggs, balancing sweet and savory nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these for a gathering or special occasion, try arranging the cinnamon scrolls on a tiered cake stand or in colorful individual paper liners. You can also drizzle the cream cheese frosting in a zig-zag pattern rather than fully coating the scrolls for a more rustic look. These scrolls also work beautifully sliced and served warm alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, that’s actually a win because these scrolls keep wonderfully soft when stored correctly. Place them in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Just bring them back to room temp or warm them slightly before serving to revive their softness.

Freezing

These Soft and Easy Cinnamon Scrolls freeze beautifully, which is a fantastic way to have a delightful treat whenever you want. Wrap cooled, baked scrolls individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their soft texture and flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen scrolls, thaw them overnight at room temperature. Reheat in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and soft. Microwave reheating works too—just cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts. If the frosting softened too much, you can always spread a fresh layer before serving.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! Instant yeast can be added directly to your flour mixture without needing to activate it in warm milk first. This can speed up the process, though the flavor might develop a bit more slowly.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! You can mix and knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It just takes a bit more elbow grease but the results are just as delicious.

Can these scrolls be made vegan?

With some substitutions like plant-based milk, margarine or vegan butter, and an egg replacer, you can definitely make these cinnamon scrolls vegan-friendly while keeping them soft and tasty.

Why refrigerate the dough for the first rise?

The cold, slow fermentation not only enhances the flavor complexity but also improves the dough’s texture, making the scrolls more tender and easier to handle.

How do I make thinner cream cheese frosting?

Add a tablespoon or two of milk to the cream cheese frosting and beat it until you reach your desired consistency. This thinner frosting gives a lovely glaze effect instead of a thick layer.

Final Thoughts

Making these Soft and Easy Cinnamon Scrolls is truly a rewarding experience that fills your home with incredible aromas and your taste buds with pure delight. Each step feels like a warm hug, and the final result is a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). Give this recipe a go — I promise it will become one of your new favorite baked goods to make and enjoy with loved ones.