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The Best Cinnamon Rolls! Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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