Description
These Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich, buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl, then topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or any special occasion, they offer a comforting, sweet start to your day with melt-in-your-mouth texture and classic flavors.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, if needed
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Let the mixture stand for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Prepare Dough: Mix in the melted unsalted butter, egg, salt, and 4 cups of all-purpose flour into the yeast mixture. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, ensuring proper gluten development.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Dough: Roll the risen dough out onto a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle, preparing it for the filling.
- Add Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough surface. Then sprinkle the brown sugar combined with ground cinnamon evenly on top to create the signature swirl flavor.
- Form Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal-sized cinnamon rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls spaced evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them and allow them to rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: While the rolls rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1–2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk for desired consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls right after baking. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients to ensure the dough develops the best texture and rises properly.
- Do not overheat the milk; it should be warm (around 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months; thaw and frost before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
