Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, then topped with a luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any special occasion, these rolls are a comforting treat that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and your heart with joy.

ingredients

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

flourgranulated sugarsaltunsalted butterwhole milkactive dry yeasteggsbrown sugarground cinnamoncream cheesevanilla extractpowdered sugar

directions

Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and dissolve the yeast in it with a pinch of sugar; let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.

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

Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together for the filling.

Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread with softened butter, and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.

Roll the dough up tightly from the long side and cut into even slices.

Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Meanwhile, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to make the frosting.

Spread the frosting over the warm rolls before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 12 cinnamon rolls.Preparation time: 20 minutesFirst rise: 1-2 hoursSecond rise: 30-45 minutesBaking time: 20-25 minutesTotal time: approximately 3 hours

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty crunch.

Use maple syrup in the frosting for a seasonal twist.

Swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple vanilla glaze if preferred.

Incorporate a little cardamom or nutmeg into the filling for a spiced flavor profile.

storage/reheating

Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh the next morning.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

The yeast may have been old or the milk too hot, which can kill the yeast.

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes, freeze baked rolls without frosting; thaw and reheat, then frost before serving.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be mixed directly into the flour without proofing.

What’s the best way to cut the dough?

Use unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife for clean cuts.

Can I make mini cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely, just cut smaller slices and reduce baking time by a few minutes.

Why are my cinnamon rolls dry?

Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness; ensure proper measuring and watch baking time.

Is whole milk necessary?

Whole milk is best for richness, but you can substitute with 2% milk if needed.

How thick should I roll the dough?

Aim for about 1/4 inch thick for a good balance between dough and filling.

Can I add raisins or other fillings?

Yes, feel free to customize with raisins, chocolate chips, or even fruit preserves.

Conclusion

The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a labor of love that rewards you with tender, gooey, and irresistibly delicious treats. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, these rolls are guaranteed to become a cherished favorite for any occasion. Treat yourself and your loved ones—you won’t regret it!