Description
These Ultra Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Rolls are everything a homemade cinnamon roll should be! Made with fluffy yeast dough, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and creamy homemade cream cheese frosting, they are soft, buttery, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4½ cups (585g) bread flour
- ⅓ cup (70g) granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) rapid-rise instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups (360g) milk
- 6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup (142g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (336g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30g) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine 2 cups of bread flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the milk and butter for about 45 seconds, until the butter is mostly melted and the mixture is warm but not hot.
- Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and add the egg.
- Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to high speed and mix for 2 minutes.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Replace the whisk attachment with the dough hook.
- Add 1½ cups of flour and knead on low speed until combined.
- Add the remaining 1 cup of flour and continue kneading until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Increase to medium-low speed and knead for approximately 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Check the dough by stretching a small piece between your fingers. It should become thin enough to let light through without tearing.
Step 3: First Rise
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl.
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix with a spatula until a smooth paste forms.
Step 5: Shape the Cinnamon Rolls
- Transfer the risen dough to a well-floured surface.
- Roll it into a rectangle measuring approximately 12 × 18 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the entire surface.
- Starting from the longer 18-inch side closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Seal the outside seam by gently pressing the dough together.
- Cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
- Arrange the rolls in a parchment-lined 9 × 13-inch baking pan.
Step 6: Second Rise and Bake
- Cover the pan with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the rolls rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown.
- Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and allow the rolls to cool slightly for about 15 minutes.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a stand mixer, combine cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Beat on low speed until combined.
- Increase to medium-high speed and whip for approximately 1 minute until light and fluffy.
- If the frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of milk.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Serve warm: These cinnamon rolls taste best when served slightly warm, with the cream cheese frosting soft and creamy.
- Breakfast and brunch: Pair them with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk.
- Holiday serving: Arrange them on a large platter for Christmas morning, Thanksgiving breakfast, or family celebrations.
- Room temperature storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator storage: Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted or frosted rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
- Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, checking until heated through.
- Make-ahead option: Prepare the rolls, arrange them in the baking pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight before the second rise. Let them sit at room temperature until puffy before baking.
- Avoid overbaking: Remove the rolls when they are lightly golden and cooked through to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
- Keep them moist: Avoid leaving the rolls uncovered for long periods, as this can cause them to dry out.