I really enjoy starting my day with a comforting sweet roll, especially if I’ve made it myself. Today, I want to share two wonderful cinnamon roll recipes that add a little something special to your breakfast or coffee break.
You will find these recipes simple to follow, and the result is always a warm, inviting treat. Let’s get baking some amazing sweet rolls!
Jump to Recipe:
Apple Cinnamon Rolls for Breakfast
These apple cinnamon rolls are perfect for a cozy morning meal or an afternoon pick-me-up. They feature a soft, fluffy dough with a sweet apple and cinnamon filling. 
Key Ingredients & Apple Cinnamon Roll Tips
- Choose Your Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith. They hold their shape well when baked and add a nice balance to the sweetness.
- Warm Milk is Key: Make sure your milk is just lukewarm, not hot. This helps the yeast activate properly, leading to a wonderfully soft and fluffy dough.
What You Need for Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 105-115°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Cream cheese frosting ingredients (cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla)
⏱️ Time: 3 hours🍽️ Yields: 12 rolls
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a small bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and a tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Let it Rise
Lightly grease a bowl, place the dough in it, and turn it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture, along with the diced apples, over the butter. Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other.
Step 4: Second Rise and Bake
Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
Step 5: Frost
While the rolls are still warm, prepare your cream cheese frosting. Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth. Spread generously over the warm apple cinnamon rolls.
📝 Final Note on Storage
Store any leftover apple cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge. Warm them up slightly before serving for the best experience.
Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Treat
You’re going to love these banana bread inspired cinnamon rolls. They offer the comforting flavors of classic banana bread combined with the warmth of a cinnamon roll. 
Key Ingredients & Banana Bread Roll Tips
- Perfect Bananas: For the best banana flavor and natural sweetness, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots. Mash them well before adding them to your dough.
- Gentle Mixing: When you are making the dough, try not to overmix it. This helps keep the rolls light and soft, which is what we want for this recipe.
What You Need for Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 105-115°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Cream cheese frosting ingredients (cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla)
⏱️ Time: 3 hours 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 12-14 rolls
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Make the Banana Dough
Start by dissolving yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining granulated sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and mashed ripe bananas. Mix and then knead until you have a smooth and slightly sticky dough.
Step 2: First Rise for Banana Rolls
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until it has noticeably doubled in size.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Gently punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this over the buttered dough.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
Tightly roll the dough into a log from one long side. Slice the log into 12-14 equal pieces. Arrange these slices in a greased baking dish. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 45 minutes to an hour. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 5: Bake and Frost
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through. While they are still warm, prepare your cream cheese frosting. Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread the frosting generously over the warm banana bread cinnamon rolls.
📝 Final Note on Serving
These banana bread cinnamon rolls taste best when served warm, right after baking. If you have any leftovers, cover them tightly and reheat briefly in the microwave for a fresh-tasting treat.
