If you have a craving for something irresistibly soft, sweet, and filled with warm spices, then this Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. There is nothing quite like the feeling of biting into a fluffy roll drenched in luscious cream cheese icing, with just the right balance of cinnamon and sugar that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special dessert, these homemade cinnamon rolls deliver pure comfort with every bite. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make, allowing you to enjoy bakery-quality rolls right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients is the first step toward cinnamon roll heaven. Each one plays a starring role, whether adding richness, flavor, or that perfect dough texture you’ll love handling.
- Warm milk (1 cup): Activates the yeast and helps create a tender dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic agent that makes the dough rise beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the dough just right and aids yeast fermentation.
- Large eggs (2): Adds richness and structure to the dough.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup melted for dough, plus 1/2 cup soft for filling): Brings moistness and a velvety texture to both dough and filling.
- All-purpose flour (4 to 4 1/2 cups): The backbone of your dough, providing the sturdy yet soft crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors without overpowering them.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup packed for filling): Combines beautifully with cinnamon for that classic roll filling.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tablespoons): The star spice that defines the flavor profile.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces softened for icing): Adds tangy creaminess to the glaze for a luscious finish.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup for icing): Ensures the icing is perfectly smooth and sweet.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon for icing): Introduces subtle warmth and depth.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons for icing): Adjusts icing consistency to spreadable perfection.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by warming your milk to about 110°F — just the right warmth to wake up your yeast without killing it. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and sugar, then patiently let it sit until foamy and alive, about 5 to 10 minutes. This bubbly mixture sets the stage for a light, fluffy dough. Next, stir in your eggs, melted butter, and salt, giving your mixture richness and flavor. Gradually incorporate 4 cups of flour, then knead the dough either by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook for 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t worry if it’s slightly tacky; the dough should feel soft and just a bit sticky. Place it into a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size — usually around 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Step 2: Mix the Filling and Assemble the Rolls
While the dough is happily rising, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon to create that classic filling mix bursting with aroma and sweetness. Once your dough has puffed up and doubled, gently roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape about 16 by 12 inches. This is where the magic really happens — spread luscious softened butter across the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly so every bite has that perfect sugary spice. Roll it tightly from the long edge, creating beautiful spirals inside. Use a sharp serrated knife or even unflavored dental floss to cut the roll into 12 equal pieces, then nestle them snugly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover again and let the rolls rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until they’re puffy and ready for the oven.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and slide your rolls in for 20 to 25 minutes. The smell will be intoxicating as the dough bakes into golden-brown perfection and the filling caramelizes slightly beneath the butter. Once baked, give them a few minutes to cool before the crowning touch — icing.
Step 4: Craft the Cream Cheese Icing
Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and just enough milk to make your icing spreadable but not runny. Slather the luscious glaze over your warm cinnamon rolls so it melts into all the nooks and crannies, making each bite heavenly.
How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic cream cheese icing is perfection on its own, you can sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top to add crunch and depth. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce also makes an elegant, decadent finish. Fresh fruit like berries can add a pop of color and bright contrast to the rich sweetness of the rolls.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon rolls make a standout centerpiece, but pairing them with a refreshing fruit salad or a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea brings balance to your breakfast or brunch spread. For a heartier brunch, scrambled eggs and bacon complement the sweetness beautifully while rounding out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve mini cinnamon roll stacks drizzled with icing and topped with edible flowers or fresh mint sprigs to impress guests. These rolls also shine when served as a warm dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, turning each bite into a cozy indulgence that’s hard to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cinnamon rolls tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay soft and moist without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these anytime, you can freeze unbaked assembled rolls before the second rise. Cover the dish tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise at room temperature for about 45 minutes before popping them into the oven. Alternatively, freeze baked and cooled rolls in an airtight container and thaw gently before reheating.
Reheating
Rewarm leftovers by microwaving individual rolls for about 20 seconds or by heating in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Adding a few drops of water or covering rolls with foil keeps them soft and prevents drying during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. You might want to reduce the initial proofing time because instant yeast acts faster, but otherwise the recipe should work well.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and look puffed and airy. A good test is to gently press a finger into the dough; if the indentation remains or slowly fills back, it’s ready.
Can I make this Cinnamon Rolls Recipe vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacer, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan-friendly. The texture might vary slightly but still delicious!
What’s the best way to cut the rolls without squashing them?
Using a serrated knife or dental floss is key to clean cuts without compressing the dough. Dental floss slides through the soft roll beautifully and keeps the spirals intact.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate before the second rise, then let them come to room temperature and rise about 45 minutes before baking fresh the next day. This saves you time while still delivering fresh, fluffy rolls.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cinnamon Rolls Recipe from scratch might just become your favorite kitchen adventure, especially when you see how incredible fresh, homemade really tastes. Not only are these rolls a comforting treat, but they’re also a wonderful way to share warmth and sweetness with friends and family. So roll up your sleeves and dive in — your perfect batch of gooey, spicy, cream cheese-topped cinnamon rolls awaits!
Print
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and loaded with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, finished with a rich cream cheese icing. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they offer a deliciously comforting treat that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the cream cheese icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Allow this mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active. Then add the eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix in 4 cups of the flour and knead either by hand or with a dough hook for 6–8 minutes. Add more flour a tablespoon at a time if the dough is too sticky; the dough should be soft and slightly tacky. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
- Make the filling and assemble: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. On a floured surface, roll out the risen dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top. Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 even rolls. Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes or until they become golden brown. Allow the rolls to cool slightly before icing them.
- Make the icing: Beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and spreadable. Spread this icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
- For overnight cinnamon rolls, assemble the rolls and refrigerate them before the second rise. The next day, bring them to room temperature and let them rise for 45 minutes prior to baking.
