Description
These easy homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or a comforting treat, this recipe walks you through preparing the dough from scratch, allowing it to rise to perfection, and baking to golden-brown goodness. With a rich filling and creamy frosting, they’re sure to satisfy your cinnamon roll cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Filling
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Frosting
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk, or more to reach desired consistency
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy and activated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter and beaten egg to the yeast mixture, whisking to blend. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky; add flour as needed.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until it forms a smooth paste.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air. On a floured surface, roll it into a 12 by 18 inch rectangle.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge free.
- Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal it.
- Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Rolls: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if tops brown too fast.
- Cool Slightly: Allow rolls to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: Meanwhile, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Adjust Consistency: Add milk by tablespoonfuls until frosting reaches your desired spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Rolls: Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the cinnamon rolls while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure your milk is not too hot when activating yeast, as temperatures above 115°F can kill the yeast.
- For fluffier rolls, knead dough properly until smooth and elastic.
- If dough is sticky during kneading, add flour one tablespoon at a time to avoid dryness.
- Use unflavored dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squishing.
- Cover rising dough to prevent it from drying out.
- Leftover rolls can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives.
