If you have a craving for something irresistibly warm, soft, and sweet, you are in for a real treat with the Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. These cinnamon rolls come out fluffy and tender, packed with a perfect cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. There is something truly magical about the smell of these baking in your kitchen, filling the air with cozy vibes that make any morning feel special. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved classic you’ll want to make again and again for family breakfasts or special weekend brunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every single ingredient here plays an essential role in creating those soft, flavorful cinnamon rolls that are worth every minute of waiting. These pantry staples come together beautifully to give you that perfect dough texture and that sweet, cinnamony filling that everyone adores.
- 1 package yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Activates the dough, helping it rise into fluffy perfection.
- 1 cup milk: Warmed to the right temperature to nurture the yeast without killing it.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the dough itself.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus up to 1/2 cup as needed): The base that gives the rolls structure and tenderness.
- 6 tablespoons butter (diced and softened): Contributes richness and keeps the dough moist and pliable.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the dough.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and add to the fluffy crumb.
- 1 stick butter (softened): For spreading inside the rolls to keep them decadently buttery.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Mixed with cinnamon for that irresistibly gooey, caramel-like filling.
- 1/2 cup white sugar: Combined with brown sugar to create delicious layers of sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that fills these rolls with warmth and aroma.
- 3/4 cup cream cheese: The base of the creamy frosting that finishes these rolls.
- 1 cup icing sugar (or more to taste): Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and complexity to the frosting flavor.
- Pinch salt: Enhances all the sweet elements in the frosting.
How to Make Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast and Dough
Begin by warming your milk to about 100°F. It’s important that the milk is warm enough to activate the yeast but not too hot to kill it, so aim for that sweet spot. Combine the yeast with a tablespoon of warm milk and a teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl, then let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy bubbles appear, signaling that the yeast is alive and kicking. Meanwhile, toss your flour, butter, salt, eggs, remaining milk, sugar, and your yeast mixture into the stand mixer bowl. Mix and knead using the dough hook attachment until a smooth, elastic dough forms. If needed, add flour one tablespoon at a time while kneading to get the perfect texture—soft, not dry or biscuit-like.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour. The dough should double in size, becoming light and airy, ready for rolling. This rising phase is where the magic bubbles happen, giving you those tender cinnamon rolls you’ll love.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Rolls
Dust your workspace with a little flour and roll the dough out into a large rectangle, roughly 18 by 12 inches, and about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the softened stick of butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon filling made by mixing the brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon all over the buttered dough. Roll it up tightly from the longer side, pinch the seam closed so none of your delicious filling escapes, and cut into 12 even slices with the help of dental floss or a sharp knife.
Step 4: Second Rise and Bake
Place the cinnamon rolls cut side down into a greased 9×13 inch pan, cover again with your towel, and let them puff up for about 30 minutes until almost doubled in size. While they’re rising, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for about 18 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown, keeping an eye on them. If the centers seem undercooked, tent the pan with foil and bake a bit longer to make sure no roll is left doughy.
Step 5: Frost and Enjoy
While the rolls bake, whip up your frosting by blending cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until silky smooth. Once your cinnamon rolls come out, let them rest for 5 minutes, then lovingly slather the frosting on while they’re still warm, allowing it to melt and sink into all those glorious spirals. Voilà , you have your Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe ready to devour!
How to Serve Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cinnamon rolls, consider topping them with a sprinkle of chopped pecans, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even some fresh berries. These small twists add that extra wow-factor and a delightful texture contrast that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with some fresh, light flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the classic tray? Try serving your cinnamon rolls stacked like mini cinnamon towers on a cake stand or wrapped individually in pretty parchment paper tied with twine for lovely gifts that friends and family will adore. You can even turn the leftover dough into cinnamon roll bites dipped in glaze for fun finger food!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them from drying out, you can also loosely cover them with foil or plastic wrap. They stay soft and delicious this way, perfect for quick treats.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, the dough or the baked cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap unbaked rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For baked rolls, wrap individually or store in an airtight container before freezing.
Reheating
To enjoy your cinnamon rolls fresh again, reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and soft. You can also warm them in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to keep moisture in, then refresh the frosting if desired.
FAQs
Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand on a clean surface. It just takes a bit more elbow grease but results in the same delicious, fluffy dough.
What if my dough isn’t rising properly?
Check that your milk isn’t too hot or too cold when activating the yeast and ensure the yeast is fresh. Putting the dough in a warm, draft-free area also helps encourage a good rise.
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour yields the best texture for these rolls. You can try bread flour for a chewier result, but avoid whole wheat or gluten-free flours unless you adjust the recipe accordingly.
Is it okay to make the rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight to slow the rise, then bake fresh in the morning for an easy start to your day.
How do I get the frosting to be smooth and creamy?
Use room temperature cream cheese and butter, beat well, and sift the icing sugar before mixing to avoid lumps. Adding vanilla and a pinch of salt balances sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is no better feeling than pulling a pan of these warm, gooey cinnamon rolls from the oven, especially when you know they came from your own kitchen. This Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is sure to bring joy to your mornings and smiles to your table. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and treat yourself to the comfort of these little spirals of heaven today!
Print
Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These best homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and generously coated with a rich cinnamon sugar filling, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or sweet treat, this recipe walks you through creating the ideal dough, rolling it out with the cinnamon-sugar filling, and baking to golden perfection for a delightful homemade pastry experience.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus up to 1/2 cup more as needed)
- 6 tablespoons butter (diced and softened)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 1 stick butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Frosting
- 3/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup icing sugar (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Warm the milk: Warm 1 cup of milk to around 100°F, taking about 30-45 seconds in the microwave. Ensure it does not exceed 105°F to avoid killing the yeast.
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, 1 tablespoon warm milk, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the dough mixture: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, diced butter, salt, eggs, yeast mixture, remaining milk, and sugar. Stir slightly to roughly combine the ingredients.
- Knead the dough: Using the dough hook attachment on medium speed, knead until the dough forms a smooth ball, approximately 10-12 minutes. If dough doesn’t come together, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it pulls together, avoiding adding too much to prevent a biscuit-like texture.
- First rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, shape it into a smooth ball with the seam on the bottom, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Dust your work surface with flour and turn out the dough. Punch it down gently, then roll into a rectangle about 18×12 inches, with thickness around 1/4 inch.
- Prepare filling and fill dough: Spread 1 stick of softened butter evenly over the rolled dough. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, white sugar, and ground cinnamon together, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll and cut: Roll the dough tightly from the longer edge into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Place the log seam-side down and slice into 12 individual rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Second rise: Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover with a tea towel and let rise for about 30 minutes, or until the rolls are puffy and nearly doubled in size.
- Preheat oven and bake: While the rolls rise, heat the oven to 350°F. Bake the cinnamon rolls for approximately 18 minutes until they turn light golden brown. If needed, tent with foil and bake up to an additional 15-20 minutes to ensure thorough baking, especially if the dough was cold.
- Prepare frosting: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat with a hand mixer until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost and serve: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Spread the frosting on the rolls while still warm. Let cool slightly until they can be handled comfortably and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not overheat the milk or it will kill the yeast; aim for about 100°F.
- If dough is too sticky, add flour sparingly to avoid a tough texture.
- Use dental floss to slice the rolls for cleaner edges and easier cutting.
- Cover the dough properly during rising to prevent drying out.
- If the center rolls are underbaked, tent with foil and continue baking to avoid burning the edges.
- For softer rolls, use whole milk but whole or 2% milk will work best.
- Frost the rolls while warm to allow the frosting to melt slightly for a perfect finish.
