Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade cinnamon rolls recipe delivers soft, fluffy rolls filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a rich cream cheese icing. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or just a cozy treat, these rolls are irresistibly gooey, sweet, and perfectly spiced. They’re surprisingly easy to make and worth every minute.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:
all-purpose flourgranulated sugarsaltinstant yeastwhole milkunsalted buttereggs

For the filling:
brown sugarcinnamonunsalted butter (softened)

For the icing:
cream cheeseunsalted butterpowdered sugarvanilla extractmilk or heavy cream

directions

Warm the milk until lukewarm (about 110°F/43°C). In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Add softened butter and eggs to the yeast mixture and mix well.

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead by hand or with a mixer for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).

Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture.

Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls.

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

While the rolls bake, prepare the icing by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until creamy.

Spread the icing over warm rolls and serve fresh.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 cinnamon rolls.Preparation time: 30 minutesFirst rise: 1-1.5 hoursSecond rise: 30-45 minutesBaking time: 22-25 minutesTotal time: 2.5-3 hours

Variations

Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.

Use maple or almond extract in the icing for a flavor twist.

Top with caramel sauce instead of cream cheese frosting.

Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a natural sweetener option.

Add orange zest to the dough or icing for a citrusy touch.

storage/reheating

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm the whole tray in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.Freeze baked rolls without icing for up to 2 months, then thaw and frost before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise.

Do I need a stand mixer?

No, you can knead the dough by hand—it just takes a little more effort.

Can I use active dry yeast instead?

Yes, just proof it in warm milk with sugar before mixing.

Why didn’t my rolls rise?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk isn’t too hot or too cold.

Can I make mini rolls?

Yes, just cut smaller slices and reduce baking time accordingly.

Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, use a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk if you prefer.

Can I make them vegan?

Yes, use plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese alternatives.

What flour works best?

All-purpose flour works great, but you can use bread flour for chewier rolls.

How do I cut rolls cleanly?

Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife for neat slices.

Should I bake them touching?

Yes, placing rolls close together helps them stay soft and rise evenly.

Conclusion

These Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort food—soft, sweet, and smothered in luscious icing. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast or a sweet treat anytime, they’re guaranteed to impress. With a little love and patience, you’ll have warm, bakery-style cinnamon rolls right from your own kitchen.

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