Soft, fluffy, and filled with rich cinnamon-sugar swirls, these homemade cinnamon rolls are a comforting classic perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With a tender dough and luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re the kind of treat that makes any morning feel special. This recipe walks you through each step to help you make bakery-style cinnamon rolls right at home.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Rolls
- Perfect Texture: Fluffy and light, thanks to bread flour and proper rising.
- Bold Flavor: The cinnamon-brown sugar filling delivers a rich, warm taste in every bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep them the night before and bake in the morning.
- Freezer Friendly: Save time by freezing unbaked rolls for later.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%; dairy-free milk also works)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (or one packet active dry yeast)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup dark or light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Warm the milk until it reaches about 110°F (43°C). In a large bowl, stir the milk with the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until the surface is bubbly and foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Add the melted butter, egg, and egg yolk to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine. Slowly stir in 3 1/2 cups of flour and the salt. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes, adding flour as needed, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Set aside. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 4: Roll and Fill
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and place it on a floured surface. Roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, pressing it gently into the butter.
Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal. Slice the log into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss. Arrange the rolls in your prepared baking dish, leaving space between each for rising.
Step 5: Let Them Rise Again
Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30–45 minutes, until they look puffy and are just touching each other.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract. If needed, thin the icing with a teaspoon of milk for a smoother consistency.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once baked, allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes. Spread or drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls and serve fresh.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls
- Watch the Milk Temperature: Too hot and it will kill the yeast; too cool and it won’t activate.
- Active Dry Yeast Option: If using active dry yeast, let it bloom in the warm milk with sugar for 10 minutes before continuing.
- Make-Ahead Method: After assembling, refrigerate overnight. Let the rolls come to room temperature and rise before baking.
- Storage: Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked rolls for up to one month.Thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise, then bake as usual.
Nutrition Information (Approximate, Per Roll)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 10g
Final Thoughts
These homemade cinnamon rolls are warm, gooey, and everything a cozy morning needs. With a simple dough, bold cinnamon flavor, and smooth icing, they’re an irresistible treat you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself on a weekend, this recipe is sure to become a staple.