Making homemade cinnamon rolls is like capturing warmth and nostalgia in a single bite. As the sweet, spicy aroma wafts through your kitchen, it evokes memories of cozy mornings and family gatherings. Whether it’s a Sunday brunch, a holiday treat, or simply a way to indulge on a quiet afternoon, this recipe delivers the delightful experience of freshly baked cinnamon rolls right at home. What sets this recipe apart? It combines ease with luscious flavors and a cream cheese frosting that takes it over the top. Let’s get started on this scrumptious journey!
Why you’ll adore these cinnamon rolls
These cinnamon rolls are a celebration of comfort and home baking. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls that are warm from the oven, smothered in rich cream cheese frosting—what’s not to love? They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive holidays or just a delicious weekend breakfast. Plus, the ingredients are simple and budget-friendly, making this treat accessible for everyone. The hands-on preparation is both fun and rewarding, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice.
"These cinnamon rolls are the best I’ve ever made—soft, gooey, and perfectly sweet! The cream cheese frosting is heavenly!" – A happy baker
The cooking process explained
Making cinnamon rolls is straightforward and satisfying, with a beautiful result that tastes as good as it looks. You start by mixing warm milk and yeast, allowing everything to come together nicely into a delightful dough. The most gratifying part? Watching the dough rise, transforming into a fluffy masterpiece ready for rolling. After shaping and filling, the smell of cinnamon fills your kitchen, and the anticipation builds as they bake to perfection. Just a few steps separate you from enjoying these delectable rolls!
What you’ll need
Gather these ingredients to bring your cinnamon rolls to life:
- 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
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 4 Tbsp. softened butter (for brushing)
- 4 oz. softened cream cheese
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Note: You can substitute whole milk with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk, 2 + 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast, 1 large egg, 1 Tbsp. melted butter, 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Whisk together briskly.
- Gradually add in 3 cups all-purpose flour and mix with a wooden spatula until combined. If the dough feels sticky, mix in an additional 1 Tbsp. of flour.
- Knead the dough by hand for about 3 minutes until it’s smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm location for approximately 1 hour.
- While the dough rises, prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing together 6 Tbsp. softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, lightly dust your work surface with flour and turn it out. Roll the dough into a rectangle measuring about 17 x 10 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the rolled-out dough, then roll it up tightly along the long edge. Using dental floss, slice the roll into 8 equal pieces.
- Place the cinnamon rolls into a greased 9×13 pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Once the rolls have risen, brush them with the remaining 1 Tbsp. melted butter and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While your rolls cool for about 15 minutes, prepare the frosting by beating together 4 Tbsp. softened butter, 4 oz. softened cream cheese, and 2 tsp. vanilla extract. Gradually add in 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Gently spread the creamy frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
Best ways to enjoy it
These cinnamon rolls speak for themselves, but you can elevate the experience with some serving ideas. Why not serve them with a fresh batch of coffee or a warm cup of tea? A side of crispy bacon or fresh fruit can help balance the sweetness. You could also consider adding a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for an extra treat!
How to store & freeze
To enjoy your cinnamon rolls later, let them cool completely at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them to extend their life for up to a week. For long-term storage, you can freeze them! Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven.
Helpful cooking tips
- Warm milk is essential: Heating the milk to 110 degrees F activates the yeast, ensuring a fluffy rise.
- Kneading is key: Don’t skip kneading the dough; it develops the gluten and gives the rolls that perfect texture.
- Room temperature ingredients: Having your egg and butter at room temperature helps in emulsifying the batter seamlessly.
- Use dental floss: A sharp knife can squish the rolls, while dental floss keeps them perfectly round when cutting.
Creative twists to try
Have fun with variations! You could swap out the ground cinnamon for nutmeg or add a dash of cardamom for a fragrant touch. For a delightful mix, throw in some chocolate chips or dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins, before rolling up the dough. Experimenting with different icing flavors, such as maple or lemon glaze, can also add a new dimension to your cinnamon rolls.
Common questions
What’s the prep time for these cinnamon rolls?
Expect about 2 hours in total for prep, including rising time—about an hour for the first rise and 30 minutes for the second.
Can I use a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Use a dough hook on low speed to mix and knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
How long can I keep leftovers?
They can be stored at room temperature for two days, or refrigerated for a week.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature and proceed with rolling and baking the following day.
Enjoy the sweet delight of homemade cinnamon rolls, and feel free to share your baking journey with friends and family!
Print
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 145 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious homemade cinnamon rolls with a rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk, heated to 110°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
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 4 Tbsp. softened butter (for brushing)
- 4 oz. softened cream cheese
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, egg, 1 Tbsp. melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk together briskly.
- Gradually add in flour and mix until combined. If sticky, mix in additional flour.
- Knead the dough by hand for about 3 minutes until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm location for about 60 minutes.
- While the dough rises, prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll the dough into a 17×10 inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the rolled-out dough, then roll it up tightly along the long edge. Slice the roll into 8 equal pieces using dental floss.
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13 pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the rolls with remaining melted butter and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While cooling for about 15 minutes, prepare the frosting by beating softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
Notes
Warm milk is essential for activating the yeast. Knead the dough to develop the gluten for perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American