The Best Cinnamon Rolls! Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- Make Cinnamon Filling: While the dough is rising, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until well mixed.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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