If you’re craving something warm, sweet, and utterly comforting, this Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, pillowy dough swirled with fragrant cinnamon and brown sugar, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts into every nook and cranny. This classic American treat isn’t just a breakfast favorite — it’s a little moment of joy you can make at home with simple ingredients and a bit of love. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these cinnamon rolls promise a deliciously rewarding experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Rolls Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the warm milk that activates the yeast to the brown sugar that sweetens the filling, every component is essential to achieving that iconic cinnamon roll taste.
- Warm milk (1 cup): Ideal at 110°F to gently awaken the yeast for a fluffy dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magical ingredient that makes your rolls rise and become airy.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the dough.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Provide richness and structure to the dough.
- Melted unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Infuses the dough with moisture and flavor.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The foundation of the dough, giving it the perfect chewiness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Creates a caramelized, gooey cinnamon swirl.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star spice that gives these rolls their irresistible aroma.
- Softened unsalted butter (1/4 cup for filling): Helps the brown sugar and cinnamon stick to the dough perfectly.
- Cream cheese (4 oz softened): Makes the frosting rich and creamy.
- Softened unsalted butter (1/4 cup for frosting): Adds silkiness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting just right.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the frosting with a warm, fragrant note.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast and prepare the dough
Start by combining warm milk and yeast in a large bowl and letting it sit until foamy—this means the yeast is alive and ready. Then, add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Slowly mix in the flour to form a soft dough. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic; this step develops the gluten that gives your rolls their perfect texture. Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—usually about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step 2: Roll out and add the filling
Once your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle your mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon on top. This filling is what makes these rolls irresistible. Roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating those classic layers, and cut into 12 even rolls—perfect serving size for sharing or indulging on your own.
Step 3: Second rise and bake
Place the cut rolls closely in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and cover them to rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes. When they are lightly golden and cooked through, take them out and prepare to top them with divine frosting.
Step 4: Make the cream cheese frosting
While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and fluffy. Once your cinnamon rolls are still warm, generously spread the frosting on top so it melts into every swirl—this frosting truly completes the cinnamon rolls experience.
How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans makes for an elegant touch that adds a bit of texture and visual appeal. You can also add a drizzle of caramel or a few fresh berries for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon rolls shine on their own but pairing them with fresh fruit, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea takes your breakfast or brunch spread to the next level. The contrast of sweet and tart or warm and creamy is perfect for balancing these rolls’ richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these cinnamon rolls in individual ramekins for personal, gooey servings or cut the baked roll into bite-sized pieces for a delightful finger food version at parties. Layering the cinnamon rolls in a trifle-style dessert bowl with whipped cream and fruit can also be a showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week. This helps keep them soft and prevents the frosting from drying out. You can also lightly warm them before serving for that fresh-baked feel.
Freezing
The dough or fully baked cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. For dough, prepare through the second rise, wrap tightly, and freeze. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake fresh. For baked rolls, freeze once cooled, then thaw and reheat to enjoy as if just made.
Reheating
To refresh your cinnamon rolls, microwave them for 20-30 seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Add a little extra cream cheese frosting if needed to restore that indulgent, gooey texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
All-purpose flour is the best choice to get the perfect texture, but you can substitute with bread flour for a chewier consistency or add a little whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor—just keep in mind it may affect the dough’s rise and tenderness.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should roughly double in size. You can do the “poke test”: gently press your finger in the dough, and if the indentation stays or springs back slowly, it’s ready for the next step.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins make a fantastic addition. Just sprinkle them over the butter after the cinnamon sugar before rolling the dough up.
Is it okay to prepare the cinnamon rolls the night before?
Yes! After the second rise, cover the rolls well and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature before baking. This makes your morning much easier and even enhances the flavor.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can substitute with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk, or butter and powdered sugar with vanilla extract. While not as rich, it still gives you a delicious finishing touch.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is truly one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with happiness. Once you taste these soft, cinnamon-spiced layers with that creamy frosting, you’ll wonder how you ever started your day without them. So don your apron, gather your ingredients, and give yourself the gift of homemade cinnamon rolls that everyone will rave about. Trust me, your mornings (and your loved ones) will thank you!
Print
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic homemade cinnamon rolls with a soft, tender dough filled with a cinnamon-sugar butter filling and topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat at brunch, these rolls are fluffy, flavorful, and irresistibly gooey.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (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 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
For the Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Make Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling and Roll Dough: Punch down the dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough. Roll the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 even rolls. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Frosting: While rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting over warm rolls once out of the oven and serve.
Notes
- To make overnight cinnamon rolls, prepare the dough through the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Allow rolls to come to room temperature before baking.
- Add chopped pecans or raisins to the filling for additional texture and flavor.
