Warm, gooey, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting—these homemade cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort treat! Whether you’re making them for a holiday breakfast, weekend brunch, or sweet dessert, they’re sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Rolls
- Ultra-soft and fluffy texture
- Rich cinnamon-sugar swirl in every bite
- Cream cheese frosting that melts beautifully over warm rolls
- Make-ahead friendly for easy mornings
- Way better than store-bought!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups bread flour (or all-purpose)
- ¾ tsp salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls
1. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add melted butter and egg, then stir in flour and salt.
Knead by hand for 5–7 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 3–5 minutes until smooth.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled—about 1 to 1½ hours.
2. Prepare the Filling
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a bowl until smooth and spreadable.
3. Roll, Fill & Cut
Roll out the dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle.
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface.
Tightly roll the dough from the long side and slice into 12 even rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife.
4. Second Rise & Bake
Place rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spaced slightly apart.
Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.
5. Make the Frosting & Serve
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until creamy.
Spread frosting over warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy while gooey!
Pro Tips for Bakery-Style Rolls
✅ Use room temp ingredients for the best texture.
✅ Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free space (like your oven with the light on).
✅ Slice with dental floss to avoid flattening the rolls.
✅ Bake until just golden—don’t overdo it.
✅ Make ahead: Prepare the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh the next morning!
Nutrition (Per Roll, Approximate)
- Calories: 450
- Carbs: 65g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 30g
These cinnamon rolls are the kind of treat that fills your home with the most amazing smell and brings people running to the kitchen. Soft, warm, and absolutely irresistible—save this recipe for every special occasion (or just because!).