Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Rolls for Any Occasion

Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Rolls are the ultimate sweet treat that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Soft, fluffy rolls layered generously with cinnamon and sugar meld into a sweet, gooey delight that’s easy to pull apart and share. Whether you’re planning a holiday breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, these rolls satisfy every craving for soft texture and warm spice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make: Simple dough with pantry staples and straightforward steps.
  • Perfectly soft: Fluffy rolls with a tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Sweetly spiced: Classic cinnamon and sugar layers packed inside every roll.
  • Fun to serve: Pull apart individually, no slicing needed!
  • Make ahead: Dough can be prepared ahead or baked fresh for best aroma.
  • Kid-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults for taste and interactive serving.

Ingredients

Overhead view of baking ingredients for cinnamon sugar rolls on wood

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs

For the filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Optional glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk or cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Hands preparing dough and layering cinnamon sugar filling for pull apart rolls

  1. Activate yeast by combining warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a small bowl; let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
  3. Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
  4. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
  6. Mix softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl to prepare the filling.
  7. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
  8. Spread the cinnamon sugar butter evenly over the dough.
  9. Cut dough into 12 strips, then stack strips and cut into 12 squares.
  10. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the stacked squares on their sides, slightly overlapping.
  11. Cover and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
  12. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake rolls 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  13. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make optional glaze.
  14. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use bread flour for extra chewiness.
  • Add chopped nuts or raisins between layers for texture.
  • For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and butter.
  • Make cinnamon rolls mini-sized by cutting smaller squares.

Storage & Reheating

  • Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven.
  • Freeze unbaked rolls after assembling by covering tightly; thaw and bake fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Rolls Served with Maple Glaze

  • Serve warm with coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch.
  • Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for a complete meal.
  • Offer as a sweet snack for gatherings or parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dough in a bread machine?

Yes, use the dough setting and follow your machine’s instructions for yeast dough.

Can I use instant yeast instead?

Yes, reduce yeast slightly and mix directly with flour.

Are the rolls best eaten fresh?

Yes, fresh from the oven is ideal, but they keep well for a few days.

Can I prepare cinnamon pull apart rolls the day before?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls the day before by assembling and refrigerating them overnight, then baking fresh the next day.

Ready to Make It?

Make these irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Rolls today and fill your home with warmth and sweet spice. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring yourself, these rolls will quickly become a beloved favorite. Pin this recipe and enjoy!

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Golden brown pull apart rolls with cinnamon sugar layers in baking pan

Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Rolls


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  • Author: Myla
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Soft, fluffy cinnamon sugar pull apart rolls layered with sweet cinnamon butter, perfect for sharing and festive occasions.


Ingredients

Scale

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

¾ cup warm whole milk (110°F/43°C)

¼ cup granulated sugar

⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)

1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)

Optional glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk or cream

½ teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

1. Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar; let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. Whisk flour, remaining sugar, and salt in a bowl.

3. Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture; knead until smooth and elastic.

4. Let dough rise covered until doubled, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.

5. Mix softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon for filling.

6. Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle; spread filling evenly.

7. Cut dough into 12 strips, stack, then cut into 12 squares.

8. Arrange stacks on their sides in a greased dish.

9. Let rolls rise 30–45 minutes.

10. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden.

11. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls.

Notes

Use bread flour for chewier texture.

Add nuts or raisins for variation.

Make dough in bread machine if preferred.

Freeze dough or assembled rolls for later baking.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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