Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (Better than Cinnabon)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and rich with gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re indulgent, bakery-quality treats that truly rival (and even surpass) the famous Cinnabon rolls. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or anytime you crave a comforting homemade pastry.

ingredients

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

Dough

all-purpose flourgranulated sugarsaltwhole milkunsalted buttereggsinstant dry yeast

Filling

brown sugarsoftened unsalted butterground cinnamon

Frosting

cream cheeseunsalted butterconfectioners’ sugarvanilla extractwhole milk (as needed for consistency)

directions

Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and mix with the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.

Add the foamy yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients and knead until a smooth dough forms, about 8-10 minutes.

Cover and let the dough rise in a warm area until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.

Roll the risen dough into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches.

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

Tightly roll the dough into a log and slice into 12 equal rolls.

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

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk to reach desired consistency.

Spread the frosting over warm rolls and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 large cinnamon rolls.Preparation time: 30 minutesFirst rise: 1 hourSecond rise: 45 minutesBaking time: 25 minutesTotal time: approximately 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy texture.

Swirl in a bit of orange zest or cardamom for a fragrant twist.

Use maple extract in the frosting for a deeper flavor profile.

Make them mini-size for bite-sized treats.

storage/reheating

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.For longer storage, freeze unfrosted rolls and frost after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator.

Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?

No, you can use a simple vanilla glaze or leave them plain if preferred.

Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the milk wasn’t too hot or cold when activating the yeast.

Can I use active dry yeast instead?

Yes, just make sure to activate it properly in warm milk before using.

What’s the best way to slice the rolls?

Use unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife to avoid squishing the dough.

Can I add raisins or fruit?

Absolutely, dried fruits or finely chopped apples make a delicious addition.

Why are my rolls dry?

Avoid overbaking and ensure you measure flour accurately—too much can dry the dough.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, it scales well—just use a larger baking pan or two pans.

Can I skip the second rise?

The second rise is crucial for fluffiness—don’t skip it.

Are these kid-friendly?

Yes, they’re a hit with kids thanks to their soft texture and sweet flavor.

Conclusion

These cinnamon rolls bring everything you love about bakery-style pastries into your own kitchen—pillowy dough, rich filling, and creamy frosting. They’re better than store-bought and a surefire hit whether it’s a special occasion or just a weekend indulgence. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a family favorite.

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