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The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

4.9 from 140 reviews

These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture, finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, these rolls rise twice for an airy texture and bake to a golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 cup milk, heated to 110 degrees F
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 large room temperature egg
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter, divided
  • 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2-4 Tbsp as needed

Cinnamon Filling

  • 6 Tbsp softened butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

Frosting

  • 4 Tbsp softened butter
  • 4 oz softened cream cheese
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk, 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, 1 large egg, 1 Tbsp melted butter, 4 Tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Whisk briefly to blend. Stir in 3 cups all-purpose flour using a wooden spatula, then add 1 Tbsp more flour at a time until the dough is no longer sticky. Knead the dough by hand for about 3 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  2. Make Cinnamon Filling: Mix together 6 Tbsp softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon until well combined.
  3. Shape Rolls: Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Turn the risen dough onto the surface and roll into a 17 x 10 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough. Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly. Using dental floss, cut the roll into 8 equal cinnamon rolls.
  4. Second Rise and Bake: Place the rolls into a 9×13 inch pan. Cover again with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the rolls with the remaining 1 Tbsp melted butter and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for about 15 minutes.
  5. Prepare Frosting: While the rolls cool, beat together 4 Tbsp softened butter, 4 oz softened cream cheese, and 2 tsp vanilla extract in a medium bowl using a hand mixer. Gradually beat in 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth and combined.
  6. Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make sure the milk is warmed to about 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Using dental floss for slicing rolls helps make clean cuts without squashing the dough.
  • Allowing the rolls to cool slightly before frosting prevents the icing from melting too much but ensures it’s still soft and spreadable.
  • The dough might require extra flour to reach the correct consistency; add as needed while kneading.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for better dough rising and easier mixing.
  • Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container and warm before serving for best taste.

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastries, cream cheese frosting, sweet rolls