Amish sweet rolls with cinnamon sugar topping

Amish sweet rolls with cinnamon sugar topping are soft, fluffy homemade rolls finished with a buttery, sweet-spiced crust that melts into every bite. This comforting recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and it’s especially useful when you want a crowd-pleasing bake that feels nostalgic, affordable, and made with simple pantry ingredients.

Key Ingredients for Amish Sweet Rolls with Cinnamon Sugar Topping

To make authentic Amish sweet rolls with cinnamon sugar topping, you’ll need classic baking staples that come together to create a tender dough and a rich, flavorful topping.

For the Sweet Roll Dough:

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (not hot)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 ½ to 5 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for best texture

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but traditional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins or Variations:

• ½ cup heavy cream (poured over rolls before baking for extra softness)
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup raisins for a classic Amish-style twist

How to Make Amish Sweet Rolls with Cinnamon Sugar Topping

These Amish sweet rolls with cinnamon sugar topping are easy to make at home, even if you’re new to baking with yeast. The dough comes together smoothly, rises beautifully, and bakes into pillowy-soft rolls with a rich cinnamon sugar layer. From start to finish, plan for about 2½ to 3 hours, most of which is hands-off rising time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and gently stir. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and will help the rolls rise properly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until smooth and fully combined. The mixture should be warm but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Form the Dough
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment. Once the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.

Step 4: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5–6 minutes with a stand mixer) until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Proper kneading is key to achieving soft Amish sweet rolls with cinnamon sugar topping.

Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract in a bowl until it forms a thick, spreadable paste. This topping is what gives Amish sweet rolls their signature caramelized flavor.

Step 7: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Spread the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the dough, reaching all the edges.

Step 8: Roll and Cut
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12–15 equal rolls.

Step 9: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 10: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using heavy cream, gently pour it over the rolls just before baking. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 11: Cool and Serve
Allow the Amish sweet rolls with cinnamon sugar topping to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. The topping will thicken slightly as it cools, creating a gooey, irresistible finish.

Why You’ll Love This Amish Sweet Rolls with Cinnamon Sugar Topping

These Amish sweet rolls with cinnamon sugar topping stand out because of their incredibly soft texture and rich, buttery flavor. Unlike store-bought cinnamon rolls, these are made from scratch, giving you complete control over sweetness and ingredients while saving money in the process.

Compared to standard cinnamon rolls, Amish sweet rolls have a more tender crumb and a deeper, caramel-like topping. The warm cinnamon aroma, buttery layers, and nostalgic flavor make them impossible to resist. Try them once, and you’ll want to make them a regular part of your home baking routine.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Room Temperature: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days; reheat before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat a full pan in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until soft and warm.

Final Thoughts

Amish sweet rolls with cinnamon sugar topping are a timeless homemade treat that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Give it a try at home and enjoy the joy of baking something truly special from scratch.

Discover our Easy Amish rolls and loaves, homemade bread.
For more traditional Amish recipes and inspiration, visit our Pinterest board.