This homemade cinnamon roll recipe is the epitome of comfort food. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting—these cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want to indulge in a warm, comforting treat. The dough is light and airy, and the cream cheese frosting adds the perfect tangy sweetness to balance out the rich cinnamon filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cinnamon rolls are a true crowd-pleaser. The dough is incredibly soft and pillowy, while the cinnamon filling provides the perfect amount of sweetness and spice. The cream cheese frosting is the cherry on top, turning each bite into a decadent treat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a weekend breakfast, these homemade cinnamon rolls are sure to impress. The best part? They are surprisingly easy to make from scratch, and the results are absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus up to ½ cup more as needed
- 6 tablespoons butter, diced and softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 1 stick butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Easy Cream Cheese Frosting
- ¾ cup cream cheese
- 1 cup icing sugar (or more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, heat the milk until it’s warm to the touch (about 110°F). Stir in the sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour and salt. Add the butter, eggs, and yeast mixture, and stir until the dough begins to come together. Add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until the dough is soft and not too sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
For the Filling:
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until smooth and well-combined.
Assembling the Rolls:
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the rolled dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
- Cut the Rolls: Slice the dough into 12-15 even pieces, depending on the size you want your rolls to be. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
- Let the Rolls Rise: Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they puff up and fill the pan.
Baking:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and fully cooked through.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
Serving:
- Frost the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy every bite of soft, gooey goodness!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-15 rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding rising time)
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 ½ – 3 hours (including rising times)
Variations
- Add-ins: You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling for added crunch, or even raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
- Frosting Flavors: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk, or add cinnamon to the frosting for an extra touch of flavor.
- Make It Overnight: You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and bake it fresh in the morning.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They will stay soft and delicious!
- Reheating: Reheat the rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their warmth and gooeyness.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. You don’t need to proof it in warm milk, simply mix it in with the dry ingredients.
2. Can I make the dough by hand or do I need a stand mixer?
You can definitely make the dough by hand! Just knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the rolls after you’ve sliced them and placed them in the pan. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them rise at room temperature for 2-3 hours before baking.
4. How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done baking?
The rolls are done when they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before spreading it over the rolls.
6. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and frosting to suit your taste, but it will affect the sweetness of the rolls.
7. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour, but keep in mind the texture of the rolls might be denser.
8. How do I make the rolls more gooey?
For extra gooey cinnamon rolls, you can add a bit more butter to the filling or drizzle a little extra butter over the rolls before baking.
9. Can I use margarine instead of butter in the dough?
Yes, margarine can be used in place of butter in the dough, though the flavor may not be as rich as with butter.
10. Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?
Yes, if you prefer a simpler cinnamon roll, you can skip the cream cheese frosting and drizzle with a sugar glaze or enjoy them plain.
Conclusion
These cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are a true indulgence. From the soft, fluffy dough to the sweet cinnamon filling and tangy frosting, every bite is packed with flavor and comfort. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to enjoy a delicious homemade treat, these cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to savor them warm—there’s nothing quite like a fresh batch of homemade cinnamon rolls straight from the oven!
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Cinnamon Roll Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 2 ½ - 3 hours (including rising times)
- Yield: 12-15 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling. Topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, they’re the perfect indulgent treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want something warm and comforting.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, heat the milk until it’s warm to the touch (about 110°F). Stir in the sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour and salt. Add the butter, eggs, and yeast mixture, and stir until the dough begins to come together. Add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until the dough is soft and not too sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the rolled dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
- Cut the Rolls: Slice the dough into 12-15 even pieces, depending on the size you want your rolls to be. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
- Let the Rolls Rise: Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they puff up and fill the pan.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and fully cooked through.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
- Frost the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a fun variation, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling for a little crunch.
- If you prefer a simpler frosting, substitute the cream cheese frosting with a sugar glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it rise in the morning before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding rising time)
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
