Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl, then topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, these rolls are irresistibly warm, sweet, and comforting—better than anything from a bakery.

ingredients

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

for the dough
all-purpose floursugaractive dry yeastwarm milksaltunsalted buttersoftenegglarge

for the filling
brown sugarcinnamonunsalted buttermelted

for the cream cheese frosting
cream cheese softenedunsalted butter softenedpowdered sugarsplash of milkvanilla extract

directions

Make the dough:
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a bit of sugar; let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add remaining sugar, butter, egg, and salt. Stir in flour gradually to form a soft dough.
Knead on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour).

Prepare the filling:
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together.
Punch down the dough and roll into a large rectangle.
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.

Roll and cut:
Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 even rolls.
Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

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

Make the frosting:
Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk. Mix until fluffy and spreadable.

Frost and serve:
Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 cinnamon rolls.Preparation time: 25 minutesRising time: 1 hour 30 minutesBaking time: 20–25 minutesTotal time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.

Use maple extract in the frosting for a flavor twist.

Add raisins or mini chocolate chips before rolling.

Top with a vanilla glaze instead of cream cheese frosting.

Make overnight rolls by refrigerating before the second rise.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the night before and refrigerate before the second rise. Bring to room temperature and bake the next day.

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes, freeze before or after baking. Thaw overnight and reheat or bake as needed.

Do I need a stand mixer?

No, you can mix and knead by hand—just takes a bit more effort.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

Ensure your yeast is active and your milk isn’t too hot, which can kill the yeast.

Can I use instant yeast?

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

Is the frosting optional?

Yes, but it adds a creamy, sweet finish that pairs perfectly with the rolls.

How do I keep them soft?

Cover while cooling and store in an airtight container to prevent drying.

What flour works best?

All-purpose flour gives the best balance of softness and structure.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, just reduce all ingredients proportionally.

Can I make them vegan?

Use plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese to create a vegan version.

Conclusion

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort bake—soft, sweet, and full of warm cinnamon flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special morning or simply to treat yourself, these rolls are guaranteed to fill your kitchen with irresistible aroma and your table with smiles.