Description
Warm, buttery cinnamon rolls are one of the most comforting homemade treats you can make. With their soft fluffy dough, rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and creamy frosting, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or weekend baking with family.
This easy homemade cinnamon roll recipe creates bakery-style rolls that are soft, sweet, and incredibly delicious. Whether you are making them for a cozy morning at home or sharing them with guests, these cinnamon rolls will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
Dough
- ¼ cup warm water
- 1 package active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sugar (for activating yeast)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3¾ to 4¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
-
In a small bowl combine warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar.
-
Let it sit for 7–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Heat the Milk Mixture
-
In a saucepan combine milk, butter, sugar, and salt.
-
Heat gently until the temperature reaches 120–130°F.
3. Prepare the Dough
-
In a mixing bowl add 2 cups flour.
-
Add eggs, the warm milk mixture, and the yeast mixture.
-
Mix until well combined.
4. Add Remaining Flour
-
Gradually add flour ½ cup at a time.
-
Mix until the dough forms a soft ball that pulls away from the bowl.
5. Knead the Dough
-
Transfer dough to a floured surface.
-
Knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. First Rise
-
Place dough in a greased bowl.
-
Cover with a towel and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
7. Roll the Dough
-
Roll the dough into a 15×12-inch rectangle.
8. Add the Filling
-
Spread softened butter across the dough.
-
Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly.
9. Roll and Slice
-
Roll tightly from the long side.
-
Slice into 15 equal rolls.
10. Second Rise
-
Place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
-
Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes.
11. Bake
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Bake rolls 20–25 minutes until golden.
12. Make the Frosting
-
Beat powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
13. Frost the Rolls
-
Let rolls cool 10–15 minutes.
-
Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
Serving Tips
- Serve warm for the best flavor and soft texture.
- Pair with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate.
- Add extra frosting for a bakery-style treat.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Microwave individual rolls 15–20 seconds.
- Reheat in oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.