The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
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.
- Author: Mila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
- Make Cinnamon Filling: Mix together 6 Tbsp softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon until well combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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