If you have ever dreamed of waking up to the warm, sweet aroma of homemade cinnamon rolls, you are going to love this. The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a delightful combination of fluffy, tender dough, perfectly spiced cinnamon-sugar filling, and irresistibly creamy cream cheese frosting. Every bite feels like a warm hug, with just the right balance of sweetness and rich buttery flavor. Whether it’s a special weekend treat or a cozy breakfast, this recipe promises a batch of heavenly cinnamon rolls that will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together beautifully to create the perfect texture, flavor, and color in your cinnamon rolls. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the warmth of the yeast to the creamy frosting finishing touch.
- Milk (1 cup, heated to 110°F): The warm milk activates the yeast and helps create a soft dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 + 1/4 teaspoons): The magic that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Adds structure and richness.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons, divided): Butter keeps the dough tender and moist.
- Granulated sugar (4 tablespoons): Brings subtle sweetness to the dough.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups, plus extra as needed): The base of your dough, providing structure.
- Softened butter (6 tablespoons, for filling): Creates the rich, gooey cinnamon layer.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice that gives cinnamon rolls that classic, warm flavor.
- Softened butter (4 tablespoons, for frosting): Helps achieve the creamy texture of the glaze.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds tangy richness to the frosting.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances sweetness with fragrant notes.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
How to Make The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining warm milk with yeast, egg, a tablespoon of melted butter, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk these together to activate the yeast and start creating your dough base. Gradually stir in the flour until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a slightly sticky dough. Knead for about three minutes to develop gluten, which ensures a soft, elastic dough that will rise beautifully. Cover the bowl tightly and place it somewhere warm to rise for about one hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While your dough is rising, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This luscious filling is what makes these cinnamon rolls truly irresistible. The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon melts into a gooey, sweet layer inside every roll.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, lightly flour your workspace and roll the dough into a generous 17 x 10-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the surface. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Using dental floss or a sharp knife, cut the log into eight equal rolls. This shaping ensures each roll is packed with delicious filling and bakes evenly.
Step 4: Second Rise
Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving a little room between them to expand. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again in a warm spot for 30 minutes until they puff up just right. The second rise is crucial for that tender, airy texture. Before baking, brush the tops with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter to keep them golden and flavorful.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F, then pop your rolls in for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for a lightly golden top — that’s when you know they’re perfect. Once baked, allow the rolls to cool for about 15 minutes before frosting, so the cream cheese glaze doesn’t melt away too much but still stays soft and luscious.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and blend until silky. This creamy frosting adds a tangy-sweet finish that perfectly complements the warm cinnamon flavor and soft layers, completing The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe experience.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls so it melts beautifully into every nook and cranny. Serve immediately, and prepare for lots of happy smiles at your table!
How to Serve The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While these cinnamon rolls are stunning on their own, you can add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the presentation and flavor, making your rolls even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or rich chai tea to complement the warm spices. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs to balance sweet with savory. A cold glass of milk never hurts either — it’s the classic, comforting combo that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the rolls in individual ramekins, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a decadent dessert. You can also create a cinnamon roll bread pudding by cubing any leftovers and baking them with custard. Gift them in a pretty box lined with parchment paper for a homemade treat that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover cinnamon rolls (which would be impressive!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. Refrigeration can dry them out, so bring them back to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving.
Freezing
These rolls also freeze beautifully. Wrap the cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before frosting. This way, you can make The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe ahead of time and enjoy fresh-baked goodness anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cinnamon rolls by warming them in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds, or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes covered with foil. This helps maintain their softness and lets the flavors shine through, as if they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge. Just take it out in the morning to come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This slow rise can actually enhance the flavor.
Can I substitute regular sugar for brown sugar in the filling?
While you can, brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness that regular sugar lacks. For the most authentic taste in The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, brown sugar is highly recommended.
Is it okay to use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast, but reduce the amount by about 25% since instant yeast is more potent. Also, you can mix it directly into the flour rather than dissolving it in milk.
What if I don’t have dental floss to cut the rolls?
No worries! You can use a sharp knife to slice the rolled dough into equal pieces. Just make sure to use a smooth, gentle motion to keep the rolls intact.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for bread baking, but keep in mind that texture may differ slightly. The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe relies on gluten for the perfect chew and rise, so results may vary.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making cinnamon rolls from scratch, and The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings that warmth and joy right into your kitchen. This recipe is approachable, rewarding, and guaranteed to fill your home with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, these cinnamon rolls will quickly become your go-to treat for breakfasts, brunches, or anytime you crave a comforting delight. Go ahead, bake a batch and share the love — your taste buds will thank you!
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The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These fluffy, homemade cinnamon rolls are made from scratch with a soft yeast dough, a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfectly golden and tender, they are an indulgent breakfast or dessert treat that’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup milk, heated to 110°F
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, divided
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2-4 tablespoons as needed
Filling
- 6 tablespoons softened butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Frosting
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, room temperature egg, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously with a wooden spatula until the dough forms a cohesive mass that is no longer sticky. Add additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time if needed. Knead the dough for about 3 minutes to develop the gluten. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined to create the cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Shape the Rolls: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the risen dough out onto the surface and roll it into a 17 by 10-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough. Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Using dental floss, cut the log into 8 equal-sized rolls carefully.
- Second Rise: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and arrange the cinnamon rolls evenly inside. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up slightly. Once risen, brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter to help with browning.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and allow the rolls to cool for about 15 minutes before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and blend until fully combined and silky smooth.
- Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and spiced flavors.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is at 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Use dental floss to cut the rolls neatly without squishing their shape.
- Allowing the rolls to rise twice ensures a light and fluffy texture.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting completely off.
- These cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Reheat rolls gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.
