The Best Cinnamon Rolls ✨

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the warm, gooey goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls that are sure to delight your taste buds and bring comfort to your mornings.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-19T17:01:04.371Z

These cinnamon rolls are a family favorite, perfect for any occasion! With their fluffy texture and rich cinnamon flavor, they are sure to be a hit at breakfast or brunch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Soft and fluffy rolls that melt in your mouth
  • Rich cinnamon flavor that captivates your senses
  • Perfectly sweetened cream cheese frosting on top

The Joy of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

There's something magical about waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. The process of making them from scratch not only fills your home with warmth and sweetness but also creates cherished memories. Whether it's a special occasion or just a regular Sunday morning, these cinnamon rolls are sure to bring joy to your breakfast table.

Homemade cinnamon rolls are truly a labor of love. The dough requires just the right amount of kneading and rising to achieve that perfect fluffy texture. As you roll out the dough and spread the filling, you'll find that anticipation builds with each step. The best part? Watching your family’s faces light up as they take their first bites of these delightful treats.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These cinnamon rolls are incredibly versatile. They make for a fantastic dessert or sweet breakfast option, perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or simply as a weekend treat. You can even customize them by adding nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the filling for an extra layer of flavor. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Additionally, these rolls are perfect for meal prep. After baking, you can freeze them for later enjoyment. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave, and they'll taste just as fresh as the day they were made. This makes them an excellent option for busy mornings when you want something homemade without the hassle.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time, pay attention to your dough's rising time. A warm, draft-free environment is crucial for the yeast to work its magic. If your kitchen is chilly, consider placing the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or covering it with a warm towel to create a cozy atmosphere for rising.

Another important tip is to roll the dough tightly and evenly when shaping the rolls. This not only helps them hold their shape during baking but also creates those beautiful swirls that everyone loves. If you're feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different fillings or frostings to make them your own.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp salt

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Frosting Ingredients

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp milk

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.

Knead and Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter over it, and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.

Roll and Cut

Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish.

Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake

Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before frosting.

Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls and enjoy!

Serve warm and enjoy the delightful aroma and taste!

Storing and Reheating

To keep your cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and reheat in the oven.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls on a baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from browning too much. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds for a quick treat.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience with some simple serving suggestions. Consider pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for a classic breakfast combination. For a more decadent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

You might also want to add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top of your frosting for extra flavor and texture. Fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, can also complement the sweetness of the rolls beautifully and add a refreshing touch.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

→ How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before allowing them to rise and bake.

The Best Cinnamon Rolls ✨

Indulge in the warm, gooey goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls that are sure to delight your taste buds and bring comfort to your mornings.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough Ingredients

  1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  3. 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  4. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  5. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  6. 2 large eggs
  7. 1 tsp salt

Filling Ingredients

  1. 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  2. 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  3. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Frosting Ingredients

  1. 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 1 cup powdered sugar
  4. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  5. 2-3 tbsp milk

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 02

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 03

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter over it, and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.

Step 04

Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish.

Step 05

Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 06

Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before frosting.

Step 07

In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g