Lucy M. The aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in your oven is practically a dessert in itself. Mary Berry’s version fills your kitchen with warmth: buttery dough, brown sugar, cinnamon swirling through every layer. The rolls emerge golden and glossy, their surfaces catching light as steam rises from them. One bite delivers soft, pillowy texture with cinnamon flavor running through every morsel, the filling still warm and gooey at the center.
Berry’s approach makes these rolls achievable for home bakers. The dough comes together easily and rises while you go about your day. Rolling the filling in is straightforward; you don’t need special skills or equipment. The oven handles the final transformation, turning pale dough into something golden and inviting. The glaze adds sweetness and shine, sealing in moisture so the rolls stay tender for days.
These rolls taste best eaten warm, when the texture is softest and the cinnamon flavor most prominent. Fresh from the oven, they’re irresistible. Make them on weekends when you have time to enjoy the process and the house fills with that incomparable aroma. Your family will gather in the kitchen, drawn by the smell, waiting for the first bite.
What Makes This Cinnamon Rolls So Special
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to yeast doughs, you’ll appreciate how Mary Berry’s recipe strikes the perfect balance between achievable and impressive. I love that the straightforward method doesn’t intimidate beginners, yet the results taste bakery-quality.
What really sets this recipe apart is its flexibility. The one-hour rise fits into a realistic schedule, and you’ll get sixteen rolls from one batch—perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing extras. The combination of plump raisins and warm cinnamon creates that irresistible flavor profile I crave, while the simple glaze adds just enough sweetness without overwhelming the dough.
The texture is what keeps me coming back. These rolls emerge soft and pillowy inside with lightly caramelized edges. They’re indulgent enough for special occasions yet simple enough for a weekend breakfast.
For another luxurious creamy dessert, try our Mary Berry Tiramisu.
Everything You Need To Make Cinnamon Rolls
Mary Berry’s cinnamon roll recipe requires a carefully balanced combination of pantry staples and baking essentials that work together to create those signature soft, fluffy rolls with warm spiced swirls.
The ingredient list is straightforward and accessible, featuring common items you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in how these simple components—flour, yeast, eggs, and milk—transform into a luxurious baked good that tastes far more complicated than it actually is to make.
Ingredients:
- 6⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 × ¼oz (7g) package fast-acting dried yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- About 1½ cups lukewarm milk
- 2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1½ cups raisins
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Sunflower oil for greasing
- Milk for glazing
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (for glaze)
When shopping for these ingredients, verify your yeast is fresh and stored properly, as this directly impacts how well your dough rises. The quality of your cinnamon matters greatly—a fresh, fragrant cinnamon will enhance the entire batch.
If you prefer, you can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or omit them entirely, though the traditional recipe benefits from their natural sweetness and chewy texture. Room temperature eggs and lukewarm milk are particularly important for activating the yeast and developing proper dough consistency.
How To Make This Mary Berry Cinnamon Rolls
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sift 6⅔ cups of all-purpose flour and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar into a large bowl, then stir in 1 package of fast-acting dried yeast and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in about 1½ cups of lukewarm milk, 2 lightly beaten extra-large eggs, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, which typically takes 8-10 minutes of consistent kneading.
- Once the dough reaches the proper consistency, knead in 1½ cups of raisins and ½ tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Divide the dough into 16 even-sized pieces and shape each piece into an 8-10 inch strand, then flatten slightly.
- Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar with the remaining ½ tablespoon of cinnamon, sprinkle this mixture generously over the flattened dough strips, and roll each one up tightly into a spiral shape. Lightly oil 2 baking sheets and arrange the rolls on them, then cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap and allow them to rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour until they’ve doubled in size.
- Brush each roll with milk to create a light glaze, then bake for 30-40 minutes until lightly browned. Transfer the baked rolls to a cooling rack. Once cooled slightly, prepare the final glaze by combining 2 cups of confectioner’s sugar with 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and a small amount of milk or water to reach a drizzling consistency, then drizzle over the cooled rolls.
Mary Berry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sift 6⅔ cups of all-purpose flour and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar into a large bowl, then stir in 1 package of fast-acting dried yeast and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in about 1½ cups of lukewarm milk, 2 lightly beaten extra-large eggs, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, which typically takes 8-10 minutes of consistent kneading.
- Once the dough reaches the proper consistency, knead in 1½ cups of raisins and ½ tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Divide the dough into 16 even-sized pieces and shape each piece into an 8-10 inch strand, then flatten slightly.
- Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar with the remaining ½ tablespoon of cinnamon, sprinkle this mixture generously over the flattened dough strips, and roll each one up tightly into a spiral shape. Lightly oil 2 baking sheets and arrange the rolls on them, then cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap and allow them to rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour until they’ve doubled in size.
- Brush each roll with milk to create a light glaze, then bake for 30-40 minutes until lightly browned. Transfer the baked rolls to a cooling rack. Once cooled slightly, prepare the final glaze by combining 2 cups of confectioner’s sugar with 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and a small amount of milk or water to reach a drizzling consistency, then drizzle over the cooled rolls.
Notes
Mary Berry Cinnamon Rolls Substitutions And Variations
Since you’re not bound to Mary Berry’s exact recipe, you can easily customize these cinnamon rolls to suit your preferences. I’d suggest swapping raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates if you prefer different flavors. You can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition, though you’ll need slightly more milk to achieve the right dough consistency. For the filling, experiment with cardamom or nutmeg alongside cinnamon. If you’re dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk instead. You can also try almond extract in place of vanilla in the glaze for a subtle twist. These variations won’t compromise the rolls’ texture or rise time, allowing you to create a version that truly reflects your taste preferences.Mary Berry Cinnamon Rolls Substitutions And Variations
Since you’re not bound to Mary Berry’s exact recipe, you can easily customize these cinnamon rolls to suit your preferences. I’d suggest swapping raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates if you prefer different flavors. You can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition, though you’ll need slightly more milk to achieve the right dough consistency.
For the filling, experiment with cardamom or nutmeg alongside cinnamon. If you’re dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk instead. You can also try almond extract in place of vanilla in the glaze for a subtle twist.
These variations won’t compromise the rolls’ texture or rise time, allowing you to create a version that truly reflects your taste preferences.
What To Serve With Mary Berry Cinnamon Rolls
Pairing these indulgent rolls with the right beverages and sides elevates your entire experience. I’d recommend serving them with strong coffee or tea to cut through the sweetness and complement the cinnamon flavors. A creamy cappuccino works particularly well alongside the rich, buttery texture.
For sides, consider fresh fruit like berries or sliced oranges to add brightness. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides balance if you’re serving them at brunch. Scrambled eggs or bacon make excellent companions for a hearty breakfast spread.
If you’re hosting, whipped cream offers an indulgent topping option. Greek yogurt provides a lighter alternative that still adds richness. Don’t underestimate the impact of fresh mint garnish—it refreshes the palate between bites and adds visual appeal to your table.
Final Thoughts
Mary Berry’s cinnamon rolls aren’t just a recipe—they’re a statement about what homemade baking can achieve. I’ve found that following her method produces rolls that rival any bakery, with that perfect balance of tender crumb and fragrant spice. The technique’s straightforward enough for beginners yet satisfying for experienced bakers who appreciate precision.
What makes these rolls special isn’t complexity—it’s Berry’s understanding of how ingredients interact. The raisins add natural sweetness, the cinnamon delivers warmth, and the rise time guarantees they’re light and fluffy rather than dense.
Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s earned its reputation. You’re not just baking; you’re creating something memorable that transforms your kitchen into something genuinely special.
