Description
Soft, gooey, and topped with cream cheese glaze, this homemade cinnamon rolls recipe is a comforting breakfast favorite. Learn how to make bakery-style rolls from scratch with simple ingredients and expert tips for fluffy texture every time.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/3 cup granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for icing)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Warm the milk until just lukewarm, then add the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Knead until the dough becomes soft and elastic, about 10 minutes by hand or 6 minutes in a mixer.
3. Cover the dough and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter to create the filling.
5. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
6. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored floss.
7. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30 to 40 minutes.
8. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
9. While rolls cool slightly, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
10. Spread the icing over warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
Softened butter is essential in both the dough and the filling for moisture and flavor.
Don’t skip the second rise — it’s key to achieving fluffy, light rolls.
Use floss instead of a knife to get clean, even cuts without squishing the dough.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg