The Best Cinnamon Rolls! Recipe

Introduction

These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they make the perfect treat for breakfast or brunch. Follow this simple recipe for bakery-quality results at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk, heated to 110 degrees F
• 2 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
• 1 large room temperature egg
• 2 Tbsp. melted butter, divided
• 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2-4 Tbsp.
• 6 Tbsp. softened butter (for filling)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
• 4 Tbsp. softened butter (for frosting)
• 4 oz. softened cream cheese
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, active dry yeast, egg, 1 tablespoon melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the 3 cups of flour and mix with a wooden spatula. Gradually add 1 tablespoon more flour as needed until the dough is no longer sticky. Knead the dough by hand for about 3 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
2. Step 2: While the dough rises, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make the filling.
3. Step 3: Once the dough has doubled in size, dust a work surface with flour and roll the dough out into a 17 by 10-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log. Use dental floss to cut the log into 8 even cinnamon rolls.
4. Step 4: Place the rolls in a 9×13-inch pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Brush the tops with the remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let the rolls cool for about 15 minutes.
5. Step 5: While the rolls cool, prepare the frosting. Beat together softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth using a hand mixer. Slowly add powdered sugar and continue mixing until fully combined.
6. Step 6: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra fluffy rolls, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• If you don’t have dental floss, a sharp knife works to slice the rolls.
• Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Use maple syrup or honey to drizzle on top instead of frosting for a different sweet finish.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, after kneading, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

You can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract as an alternative to cream cheese frosting.

The Best Cinnamon Rolls! Recipe

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4.8 from 147 reviews

This recipe for The Best Cinnamon Rolls offers soft, fluffy rolls with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly risen and baked to golden perfection, these rolls are ideal for breakfast or a cozy treat any time of day.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Rolls:

• 1 cup milk, heated to 110°F
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 Tbsp melted butter, divided
• 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2-4 tbsp for dusting

For the Filling:

• 6 Tbsp softened butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 Tbsp softened butter
• 4 oz softened cream cheese
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, egg, 1 Tbsp melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Gradually mix in 3 cups of flour using a wooden spatula until combined. Add additional flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky. Knead by hand for about 3 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
2. Make Cinnamon Filling: While the dough is rising, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until well mixed.
3. Roll Out Dough and Add Filling: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Roll the dough into a 17 x 10 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough. Starting lengthwise, tightly roll the dough up into a log. Using dental floss, cut the log into 8 equal rolls.
4. Second Rise: Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. After rising, brush the tops with the remaining 1 Tbsp melted butter. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes.
5. Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add in powdered sugar and beat until creamy and spreadable.
6. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

• Ensure milk is warmed to about 110°F, not too hot, to activate yeast without killing it.
• Use dental floss to cut the cinnamon rolls for clean, even slices without squishing the dough.
• You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it for a slow rise for enhanced flavor.
• For extra gooey rolls, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or raisins in the filling if desired.
• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate and reheat before serving.

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, cinnamon roll recipe, breakfast rolls, cream cheese frosting, homemade cinnamon rolls