The BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe – Bake with Zoha

Name: The BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe – Bake with Zoha
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk; 1/3 cup sugar; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup melted butter; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the magic of freshly baked cinnamon rolls with this easy and delicious recipe that guarantees fluffy, gooey perfection. With a rich cinnamon filling and a delightful cream cheese glaze, these cinnamon rolls are a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. Ideal for brunch gatherings or family indulgence, this recipe makes sure every bite is a warm, comforting experience that everyone will love.

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-01T18:29:35.097Z

This recipe for cinnamon rolls has been passed down through generations and has stood the test of time. Every roll is crafted with care, ensuring that you get the perfect balance of sweetness and spice with each bite.

The Perfect Dough

Creating the perfect dough is essential for achieving those fluffy layers in your cinnamon rolls. Begin by ensuring your yeast is activated properly with warm milk, which should feel comfortably warm to the touch—about 110°F (43°C). This step is crucial as it allows the yeast to thrive and produce the air bubbles necessary for a light texture.

Once your dough ingredients are mixed, kneading is key. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic to develop gluten, which gives structure to your rolls. Don’t rush the rising process; letting it sit until it doubles in size results in airy, soft rolls that melt in your mouth.

Filling and Flavor

The filling is one of the highlights of these cinnamon rolls. Using a combination of packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon gives that classic warm and sweet flavor that we all love. The brown sugar creates a gooey filling as it melts during baking, enhancing the overall texture.

Don't skimp on the melted butter when spreading it over the rolled-out dough. This helps to bind the cinnamon-sugar mixture and ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. Make sure to spread the filling evenly for a truly indulgent experience.

Glazing for Perfection

A cream cheese glaze perfectly complements these delicious cinnamon rolls. Its rich, tangy flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the rolls, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Preparing the glaze is simple; just blend together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Drizzling the glaze over warm rolls allows it to melt slightly, creating a decadent topping that elevates your cinnamon rolls from good to extraordinary. For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg on top of the glaze for added flavor and appeal.

Ingredients

For the Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs

For the Filling

1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup melted butter

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add melted butter, salt, and eggs, then stir in flour.

Knead until smooth and elastic, then let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Make the Filling

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

Roll and Cut

Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for approximately 25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly.

Prepare the Glaze

In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls before serving.

Enjoy Your Rolls!

Tips for Success

While baking cinnamon rolls is straightforward, a few tips can elevate your results. First, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs and butter, as this helps with uniform mixing. Also, if your kitchen is cold, consider placing the dough in a warm spot to ensure proper rising.

For an even more flavorful experience, try adding nuts or raisins to the filling. These ingredients not only add texture but also enhance the overall taste, creating a delightful surprise in each roll.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is often rare!), store your cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you'd like them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can stay fresh for up to a week.

To revive their delightful softness when ready to serve again, warm your cinnamon rolls in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. A quick reheat will bring back their original texture and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls. Just thaw and let rise before baking.

→ What if I don’t have all-purpose flour?

You can substitute with bread flour, but the texture may vary slightly.