The Best Cinnamon Rolls ✨

Name: The Best Cinnamon Rolls ✨
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the warm, fluffy goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls that are perfect for breakfast or dessert. These rolls are loaded with cinnamon and sugar, topped with a creamy icing, and guaranteed to delight your taste buds.

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-18T13:21:24.150Z

Cinnamon rolls are a classic treat that can brighten any morning. With their soft, pillowy texture and sweet cinnamon filling, they are a favorite for many. This recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors and is sure to impress your family and friends.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Warm spices that fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma
Delicious cream cheese icing that adds the perfect sweetness
Perfect for breakfast gatherings or as a comforting dessert

      

The Perfect Dough

Creating the perfect dough is essential for achieving soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls. Start with high-quality all-purpose flour, as it provides the right structure and texture. The combination of active dry yeast and warm milk activates the leavening process, ensuring your dough rises beautifully. Kneading the dough helps develop gluten, which gives the rolls their desirable chewiness. Don't skip the rising time; allowing the dough to double in size is crucial for a light and airy final product.

For those who may be intimidated by bread-making, fear not! This dough is forgiving and designed for home bakers. Just remember to keep your workspace floured to prevent sticking, and enjoy the process. You'll be rewarded with the most delicious cinnamon rolls that are well worth the effort.

Rich and Flavorful Filling

The filling is where the magic happens in your cinnamon rolls. A mixture of softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon creates a rich and gooey center that perfectly complements the fluffy dough. Brown sugar adds a deeper flavor and caramelization compared to regular sugar, resulting in an irresistible sweetness that permeates each bite.

Feel free to get creative with the filling! You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or even a touch of vanilla to enhance the flavor profile. Just make sure to spread the filling evenly over the dough to ensure that every roll is generously packed with goodness.

Decadent Cream Cheese Icing

No cinnamon roll is complete without a generous drizzle of creamy icing. This simple yet indulgent cream cheese icing blends perfectly with the warm rolls, creating a delightful contrast in flavors. The combination of cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract results in a smooth and sweet topping that elevates your rolls to a whole new level.

For an extra touch, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of maple syrup to the icing for added depth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if you prefer a thinner icing, or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze. The icing can be prepared while the rolls are baking, allowing you to enjoy the freshest flavors.

Ingredients

For the Dough

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

For the Filling

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Icing

4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Gather all the ingredients before starting to make the process smoother.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and melted butter until warm. Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture along with the eggs.

Mix until a dough forms.

Knead and Rise

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

Make the Filling

While the dough rises, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until well combined.

Roll and Cut the Dough

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish.

Final Rise and Bake

Cover the rolls and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Prepare the Icing

While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.

Serve

Once the rolls are baked, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling with the icing. Enjoy your delicious cinnamon rolls warm!

Enjoy these cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven for the best experience!

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfect every time, consider using a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature of your milk. It should be around 110°F (43°C) when adding yeast. Too hot, and it can kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly. Additionally, when rolling out the dough, aim for a rectangle that is about 1/4 inch thick to achieve the perfect ratio of dough to filling.

If you have leftover rolls, keep them fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked rolls before the final rise. Just thaw and let them rise before baking to enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls anytime!

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion, from cozy weekend breakfasts to holiday brunches. Serve them warm with a side of fresh fruit or a steaming cup of coffee for a delightful start to your day. You can also pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert treat.

Consider adding a sprinkle of nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the icing for an elegant finish. They also make a fantastic gift for friends and family—just package them in a lovely box, and you’ll be sure to spread joy with every bite!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight.

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

You can use mascarpone cheese or a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer.

→ How should I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

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

→ Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.