If you have ever dreamed of waking up to soft, fluffy swirls of cinnamon-scented sweetness topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, then you are in for a treat with this Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. This beloved classic offers the perfect balance of tender dough, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and a silky frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s a special weekend breakfast or a delightful treat to share with loved ones, these cinnamon rolls bring warm joy and irresistible flavor to any table. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your go-to for cozy mornings and happy gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in its straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a key role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of your rolls—from the soft warmth of the dough to the sweet, spicy filling and the creamy topping that ties it all together.
- Warm milk (1 cup, 110°F): Activates the yeast and gives tender moisture to the dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Helps the dough rise fluffy and light.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness to the dough and aids browning.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Provide richness and structure.
- Unsalted butter (1/3 cup melted for dough, 1/2 cup softened for filling): Brings buttery flavor and tender crumb.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour (4 1/2 cups): The foundation for the dough’s soft and pickable texture.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Mixed with cinnamon for a deep, molasses richness in the filling.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star spice that makes these rolls unforgettable.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): The secret to that tangy, creamy frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the frosting with a smooth finish.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a delicate warmth to the frosting.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Adjusts the frosting to just the right spreadable consistency.
How to Make Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin this comforting journey by waking up your yeast in warm milk, letting it sit until it becomes delightfully foamy—this means it’s ready to do its magic. Then, blend in sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt before gradually adding the flour. Knead with a stand mixer’s dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic, promising soft rolls. Cover and let it rise in a cozy spot until it doubles in size, about an hour.
Step 2: Roll and Fill
Once your dough has risen and is soft to the touch, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Smear the softened butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle a sweet-spicy blend of brown sugar and cinnamon over the top. This filling is the heart of the rolls’ comforting flavor.
Step 3: Shape and Cut
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log as if wrapping a secret treasure. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 even rolls, each a perfect swirl waiting to become golden and tender in the oven.
Step 4: Final Rise
Place the rolls snuggly in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Let them rest covered until they puff up, about 30 to 45 minutes—this last rise is what makes them beautifully soft and airy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F oven and let the rolls bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a warm golden color and the irresistible aroma fills your kitchen. Timing is key so they’re cooked through but still soft.
Step 6: Frosting Finale
While the rolls bake, whip up the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and softened butter together, adding powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and luscious. Thin with a splash of milk if you like it spreadable and silky. When the rolls come out slightly cooled, generously slather the frosting over the top for that classic indulgence.
How to Serve Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle your cinnamon rolls with chopped toasted pecans, a dusting of cinnamon powder, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. These add delightful textures and elevate presentation instantly.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or even a glass of cold milk. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a bowl of berries adds a bright, juicy contrast to the rich rolls, creating a balanced and colorful breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of the classic 9×13 pan, try baking the rolls in individual ramekins or a bundt pan for an eye-catching twist. You can also drizzle extra frosting in a zig-zag pattern or pipe it elegantly with a spatula for a bakery-style finish that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls stay beautifully soft when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To retain freshness longer, keep them in the fridge but bring to room temperature before serving to recapture that soft, tender bite.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked shaped rolls or fully baked ones. For unbaked, wrap the pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight and let rise before baking. For baked rolls, wrap individually or place in an airtight container and freeze; thaw and reheat before serving.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, pop the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave individually for 20–30 seconds. Adding a small dab of butter or a light drizzle of milk before reheating keeps them moist and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I make this Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, use vegan butter alternatives, and replace eggs with flax eggs or another vegan binder. The taste and texture may vary slightly but will still result in delicious cinnamon rolls.
How long does it take to make these cinnamon rolls from start to finish?
The entire process, including dough rising times, takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Most of that time is hands-off during rising, so it’s perfect for a relaxed morning project.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Yes! Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins into the filling gives the rolls a wonderful texture and flavor variation. Just sprinkle them evenly over the butter layer before rolling.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover cinnamon rolls?
Oven reheating is ideal for keeping the outside slightly crisp while warming the inside evenly. A quick microwave is great for a fast soft warm-up but can sometimes make them a bit chewy.
Can the dough be prepared the night before?
Definitely! After shaping the rolls, cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight. The rolls will rise slowly in the fridge. Bring them to room temperature before baking for fresh, just-made softness in the morning.
Final Thoughts
This Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is more than just a breakfast—it’s a warm hug on a plate, a slice of comfort that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Baking these rolls fills your home with divine aromas and creates moments worth savoring. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and make memories with every sweet, cinnamon swirl. I promise you’ll want to keep coming back to this recipe again and again.
Print
Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Best Cinnamon Rolls recipe features a soft and fluffy yeast dough filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar butter filling, baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these cinnamon rolls boast a perfect balance of sweetness, spiced warmth, and creamy tang, making them irresistible and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in all-purpose flour using the dough hook attachment until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough with the dough hook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface. Combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 even rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Add milk as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Finish and Serve: After removing the rolls from the oven, let them cool slightly. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- These rolls can be prepped the night before. After shaping, cover and refrigerate them, then bring to room temperature before baking.
- For variation, add chopped pecans or raisins to the cinnamon-sugar filling.
