Name: Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-485203H42M13S
Total time: PT-485203H42M13S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons); 1 cup milk; ½ cup granulated sugar; 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus up to ½ cup more as needed); 6 tablespoons butter, diced and softened; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 stick butter, softened (for filling); ½ cup brown sugar, packed; ½ cup white sugar; 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon; ¾ cup cream cheese (for frosting); 1 cup icing sugar (or more to taste); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch salt

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are a perfect combination of soft dough and sweet, cinnamon-spiced filling. The dough rises beautifully, resulting in rolls that are light and fluffy with just the right amount of cinnamon sweetness. The cream cheese frosting adds the finishing touch, making each bite melt in your mouth. Whether you're preparing for a holiday breakfast, a weekend treat, or any special occasion, these homemade cinnamon rolls are sure to impress!

Ingredients

Dough:

1 package yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
1 cup milk
½ cup granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus up to ½ cup more as needed)
6 tablespoons butter, diced and softened
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs

Filling:

1 stick butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup white sugar
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Easy Cream Cheese Frosting:

¾ cup cream cheese
1 cup icing sugar (or more to taste)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch salt

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the dough:
Warm the milk to around 100°F. This will take about 30-45 seconds in the microwave. Be careful not to use milk that is too hot (above 105°F) as it will destroy the yeast.
In a small bowl, combine the yeast with 1 tablespoon of warm milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly.
In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the flour, butter, salt, eggs, yeast mixture, and remaining milk and sugar. Stir to combine, then knead using the dough hook on medium speed until a smooth dough forms. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
Once the dough is smooth and elastic, transfer it to a greased bowl. Shape it into a ball, pinch the bottom to form a smooth surface, and place it seam-side down. Cover with a clean tea towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the cinnamon rolls:
Punch the dough down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 18x12 inches and about ¼ inch thick.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then mix the sugars and cinnamon for the filling in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Roll up the dough from the longer side, pinch the seam to seal, and place the log seam-side down. Slice into 12 rolls (using dental floss or sewing thread is a great way to get neat slices).
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch pan, cover with the tea towel, and let them rise for about 30 minutes until puffy.
Bake the cinnamon rolls:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 18 minutes or until they’re lightly golden brown. If the center rolls aren’t baked after 20 minutes, tent the pan with aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Frost the rolls:
To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla, and salt together in a bowl until smooth. Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Spread the frosting over the rolls while they are still warm.
Serve and enjoy!
Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes 12 cinnamon rolls.
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
Cook time: 18-20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes (including rising time)

Variations

Vegan version: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk (like almond or soy milk), and a vegan cream cheese alternative for the frosting.
Nutty cinnamon rolls: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the filling for a bit of crunch.
Caramelized cinnamon rolls: Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the rolls before baking for a sweet twist.
Maple frosting: Use maple syrup in place of vanilla extract for a maple-flavored frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Once frosted, store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If unfrosted, they can last up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked, unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months. Flash-freeze them individually on a baking sheet before wrapping in foil and placing them in a freezer bag.
Reheating: To reheat, defrost the rolls at room temperature, then microwave for 30 seconds or heat in the oven at 300°F until warm. Frost after reheating for the freshest taste.

FAQs

How do I know if my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size. A good test is to gently press your finger into the dough; if the indentation stays, it’s ready to move on.

Can I make cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just take it out 15-30 minutes before you shape the rolls.

What type of yeast should I use for this recipe?

Use active dry yeast for the best results. Instant yeast can also be used, but it will make the dough rise faster.

How can I prevent the dough from getting too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour a tablespoon at a time until it becomes a smooth, elastic ball.

Can I make cinnamon rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand, but it will take a bit more time and effort. Use your palms to push and fold the dough for about 10-12 minutes.

What’s the best way to slice the cinnamon rolls?

Using dental floss or sewing thread works wonders for clean slices without squishing the rolls.

Can I freeze the frosting?

It’s best to make the frosting fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze them for up to 1 month.

What if my rolls are overbaked?

If the rolls get too brown, you can try covering them with foil and baking them for a shorter amount of time next time to avoid over-baking.

Can I use a different frosting instead of cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! You can use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk, or even a maple glaze if you prefer a different flavor.

What can I add to the filling besides cinnamon?

You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even fruit like apples or raisins for different variations.

Conclusion

These homemade cinnamon rolls are a perfect blend of fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you're preparing them for a special breakfast or just a treat for any day, these rolls will be a hit every time. With easy-to-follow instructions and a few simple ingredients, you can create the most irresistible cinnamon rolls right in your own kitchen. Enjoy!

Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls