Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
These cinnamon rolls strike the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, soft and sticky. The dough is pillowy and tender, while the filling is rich and buttery with a bold cinnamon-sugar flavor. Whether you’re making them for a holiday morning or just to treat yourself, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to become a favorite. Plus, they’re easier to make than you might think, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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All-purpose flour
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Granulated sugar
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Salt
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Instant yeast
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Whole milk
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Unsalted butter
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Eggs
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Brown sugar
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Ground cinnamon
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Cream cheese
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Powdered sugar
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Vanilla extract
Directions
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Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until foamy. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a greased bowl for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
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Make the filling: Mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter on top, and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Shape the rolls: Starting from one long end, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut into even slices and place in a greased baking dish.
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Second rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.
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Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Prepare the frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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Frost the rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 cinnamon rolls.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Variations
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Maple glaze: Replace the cream cheese frosting with a maple syrup glaze for a different flavor profile.
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Nutty rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added crunch and flavor.
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Raisin rolls: Sprinkle raisins over the cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling the dough.
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Overnight version: Assemble the rolls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking.
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Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese to make a vegan-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes. For frozen rolls, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
FAQs
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should roughly double in size and be puffy. Gently press a finger into the dough—if the indentation remains, it’s ready.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you’ll need to activate it first in warm milk for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
What type of flour is best for cinnamon rolls?
All-purpose flour works perfectly, but bread flour can be used for a slightly chewier texture.
Can I freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls?
Yes. After shaping, place the rolls on a tray to freeze, then store them in an airtight bag. Let them thaw and rise before baking.
How do I keep cinnamon rolls soft?
Store them tightly covered, and avoid overbaking. You can also brush them lightly with melted butter after baking.
Can I use store-bought dough?
You can, but homemade dough offers a fresher and more flavorful result.
What’s the best way to cut the dough without squishing it?
Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean slices without compressing the dough.
How can I make the rolls extra gooey?
Add a few tablespoons of heavy cream over the rolls just before baking. This makes them softer and gooier.
Why are my rolls dry?
They may have been overbaked or not covered properly during storage. Adding a little cream before baking can help maintain moisture.
Can I skip the frosting?
Yes, but the cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy finish. You can also opt for a simple powdered sugar glaze if preferred.
Conclusion
Cinnamon rolls are a heartwarming, bakery-style treat that you can easily make at home. With their soft dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and luscious frosting, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether served warm for breakfast or enjoyed as an indulgent snack, these cinnamon rolls deliver pure comfort in every bite.
Cinnamon Rolls
These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup whole milk, warm
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long end into a log and cut into 12 even slices.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the rolls bake, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the frosting.
- Spread frosting over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Use dental floss to cut clean slices of the rolled dough without squishing.
- Add heavy cream over the rolls before baking for extra gooey texture.
- Store in an airtight container to keep rolls soft.
- Overnight version: Assemble rolls and refrigerate before final rise and baking.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
