There is truly nothing that compares to waking up and indulging in the warm, gooey comfort of the Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. This classic treat brings together a soft, fluffy dough, a deeply aromatic cinnamon-sugar filling, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts perfectly on top. Whether you’re preparing these for a special breakfast, a brunch with friends, or a weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and bring smiles to everyone around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays its own crucial role in transforming ordinary elements into extraordinary cinnamon rolls that everyone will love.
- Warm Milk (1 cup, 110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast to create a soft and airy dough.
- Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic behind the dough’s rise and fluffiness.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the dough.
- Unsalted Butter, melted (1/3 cup + 1/2 cup softened for filling): Brings richness and keeps the rolls moist.
- Large Eggs (2): Adds structure and helps bind the dough.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (4 to 4 1/2 cups): The sturdy base of the dough providing chew and softness.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Creates the caramelized, sweet cinnamon filling.
- Ground Cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star spice that defines the rolls’ warm, comforting flavor.
- Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): For a tangy, creamy frosting that complements the rolls perfectly.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the frosting without overpowering.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds depth and a hint of floral warmth to the frosting.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Adjusts frosting consistency to creamy perfection.
How to Make Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Proof the Dough
Start by whisking the warm milk with the active dry yeast and letting it stand for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this assures that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic. Once you see that froth, add in the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt, mixing them together until fully combined. Gradually incorporate the flour a cup at a time; this gradual addition helps you achieve a dough that’s soft but not sticky. Knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which is key to those airy rolls you’re dreaming of. Let the dough rise in a greased bowl, covered and tucked away somewhere warm, until it doubles in size. This step is crucial because it develops flavor and texture for the perfect cinnamon roll base.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. The brown sugar will give you that deep caramelized sweetness, and the cinnamon offers the iconic burst of spice that makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible.
Step 3: Roll Out, Fill, and Shape the Rolls
Once risen, punch the dough down gently to release some air and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches. This shape ensures an even distribution of the cinnamon filling. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, which helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick and caramelize beautifully during baking. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter. Then start rolling the dough tightly from the long side, creating a spiral that’s bursting with cinnamon goodness. Cut the roll into 12 even slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Let them rise again—this second rise is what brings that pillowy softness and lets the rolls expand democratically in the pan.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 22 to 26 minutes. You want a golden-brown top with a slight caramelization on the edges, signaling that perfect balance of softness and structure inside. Waiting to frost the rolls until they’re warm instead of hot helps the frosting melt in gently instead of sliding off.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, beat together the soft cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough milk to reach your desired creamy consistency. This frosting is the crowning glory, with its tangy sweetness and smooth texture complementing every bite of those warm rolls.
How to Serve Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Simplicity works best here: a generous spread of cream cheese frosting on warm rolls is all you need to make every forkful magical. For an extra special touch, you can sprinkle some finely chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon powder on top to amp up the flavor and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls are a star on their own but pairing them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte elevates the experience. For brunch, consider serving alongside fresh seasonal fruit or a crisp green salad for a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can separate the rolls slightly in the pan before baking to allow extra crisp edges or arrange them in individual ramekins for personalized servings. Another charming idea is to drizzle a little caramel sauce over the frosting or serve with a bowl of vanilla yogurt on the side for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe keep beautifully for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure to cover them completely to retain moisture and softness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy cinnamon rolls any time, these freeze well either baked or unbaked. For unbaked rolls, freeze after shaping and cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil; thaw overnight in the fridge and allow to rise before baking. For baked rolls, wrap individually or place in a sealed container, then thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked taste, warm leftover rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for roughly 10 minutes. Add a dollop of frosting afterward for that just-made charm.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Instant yeast can be used with this recipe; just mix it directly with the flour without proofing in warm milk first. You might notice a slightly faster rise, so keep an eye on your dough.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has approximately doubled in size and springs back slowly when poked gently with a finger. This indicates the yeast has done its job, making the dough airy and light.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
With some substitutions—like using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg instead of regular eggs—you can adapt this recipe to be vegan-friendly. The texture might be a bit different, but they’ll still be delicious.
Is it okay to use light brown sugar instead of packed brown sugar?
Light brown sugar works just fine and will yield a slightly milder molasses flavor, which might make the filling taste a little lighter but still wonderfully sweet and aromatic.
What if I want less sweet frosting?
You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly or increase the amount of cream cheese for a tangier, less sweet frosting that still complements the rolls beautifully without overwhelming them.
Final Thoughts
Making the Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience—nothing beats the scent of fresh rolls wafting through your kitchen and the joy on your loved ones’ faces with the very first bite. With straightforward ingredients and a simple process, you can easily make these soft, buttery cinnamon rolls that feel like a warm hug on a plate. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and create these irresistible treats that’ll quickly become your new favorite indulgence.
Print
Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Cinnamon Rolls feature a soft and fluffy homemade dough, a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these tender rolls rise twice for an airy texture and bake to a golden brown, then are topped with rich, creamy frosting for a classic indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated. Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture and mix well to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing them thoroughly to create your cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Roll and Fill: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top of the butter. Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices. Arrange these rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish with the cinnamon rolls into the oven and bake for 22–26 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk as needed. Continue beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Finish and Serve: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool until warm but not hot. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon rolls.
Notes
- You can prepare the cinnamon rolls ahead of time by shaping them, then covering and refrigerating overnight. In the morning, bring them to room temperature and allow them to rise before baking.
- Make sure the milk is warm but not hot when activating yeast to ensure proper fermentation.
- Do not overbake the rolls, as this can dry them out—bake until golden and just cooked through.
- The frosting is best spread on warm rolls for easy melting and best flavor.
