Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are soft, gooey, and filled with warm cinnamon-sugar swirls, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, these rolls are made from scratch and deliver bakery-style flavor in every bite. The aroma alone is enough to make them irresistible.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

all-purpose flourgranulated sugarsaltwhole milkunsalted butteractive dry yeasteggsbrown sugarground cinnamoncream cheesepowdered sugarvanilla extract

directions

Warm the milk until it’s about 110°F (43°C) and dissolve the yeast in it. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix well.

Gradually add the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.

Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Tightly roll the dough into a log and cut into even slices (about 12 rolls).

Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

While baking, prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Let the rolls cool slightly before spreading the frosting on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 cinnamon rolls.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Baking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.

Mix in a touch of orange zest with the frosting for a citrusy twist.

Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.

Make mini rolls for bite-sized treats or double the recipe for a crowd.

storage/reheating

Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave each roll for 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
For longer storage, freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Can I use instant yeast instead?

Yes, just skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients.

Why are my rolls too dry?

Avoid overbaking and make sure your dough isn’t too flour-heavy. It should be soft but not sticky.

Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?

No, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk works great too.

Can I freeze baked cinnamon rolls?

Yes, freeze them unfrosted for best results. Reheat and frost when ready to serve.

What flour works best?

All-purpose flour is ideal, but bread flour gives a slightly chewier texture.

Can I add raisins or fruit?

Absolutely, raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped apples make great additions.

Conclusion

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a cozy, comforting treat that turn any day into something special. Whether you’re baking them for a weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just because, these rolls offer a warm, sweet hug in every bite. Once you try them from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought!