Light and Fluffy Homemade Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that brings joy to any breakfast or brunch table. With their soft texture and sweet cinnamon flavor, these rolls are perfect for family gatherings or quiet mornings at home. Plus, making them from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring you create a delicious, wholesome dish.

How to Make Light and Fluffy Homemade Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 4 ½ teaspoons dry active yeast (2 packets)
- ½ cup warm water (105°-110°F)
- 1 ½ cups lukewarm buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 4 to 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon maple extract (or 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Directions
- Mix the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, mix lukewarm buttermilk, baking soda, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and the egg. Add the frothy yeast mixture. Gradually add flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Shaping the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- The Filling: Roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Brush melted butter over the surface, then sprinkle with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, and slice it into rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
How to Serve Light and Fluffy Homemade Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls
Once your rolls are golden and puffed, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. After baking, let them cool slightly before drizzling with a simple icing made from powdered sugar, whole milk, and optional maple and vanilla extracts. Serve warm to enjoy their fluffy texture and sweet flavors.
How to Store Light and Fluffy Homemade Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls
To store your cinnamon rolls, allow them to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dough or baked rolls. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Light and Fluffy Homemade Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Use room temperature ingredients (especially the egg) for better mixing.
- Don’t skip the second rise, as it helps create fluffier rolls.
- Experiment with additional flavors in the filling, like nuts or raisins.
Variation
Try adding cream cheese to the filling for a richer flavor. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
FAQs
- Can I use milk instead of buttermilk? Yes, you can use regular milk; however, adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk can mimic the acidity of buttermilk.
- What should I do if my dough isn’t rising? Check the temperature of your environment. Yeast needs a warm spot to activate. If it’s too cold, find a warmer area or preheat your oven slightly, turn it off, and let the dough rise inside.
- Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, cover them well, and keep them in the fridge overnight. Just allow them to rise before baking.

Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 ½ teaspoons dry active yeast (2 packets)
- ½ cup warm water (105°-110°F)
- 1 ½ cups lukewarm buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 4 to 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Filling
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
For the Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon maple extract (optional, or 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
Mix the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix lukewarm buttermilk, baking soda, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and the egg. Add the frothy yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
Shaping the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
The Filling
- Roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- Brush melted butter over the surface, then sprinkle with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, and slice it into rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes.
- After baking, let them cool slightly before drizzling with icing.


