The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Experience the ultimate comfort treat with these homemade cinnamon rolls. Soft, fluffy dough is infused with a delectable blend of brown sugar, cinnamon and butter, crowned with a silky cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special family gatherings, these irresistible rolls fill the kitchen with warmth and a delightful aroma that beckons you to savor every bite.

I made this recipe using 1 cup warm milk near 110°F, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast and 1/2 cup granulated sugar for the perfect dough that is both soft and fluffy. I mix in 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted with 2 large eggs at room temperature and a pinch of salt along with 4 cups all-purpose flour.

The dough yields a high carbohydrate treat that is rich in calories. For the filling I combine 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon which gives these cinnamon rolls a balanced sweetness and energy boost.

The cream cheese frosting is then made with 1/2 cup cream cheese, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract which yields a rich topping. This is one of the best homemade cinnamon rolls recipe that fits great for holiday brunch and special occasions.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this cinnamon roll recipe because it always gives me super soft, fluffy dough that makes every bite feel like a little cloud. I really dig how easy it is to follow, even though I sometimes mess up but it still comes out great every time. I also love that the cinnamon and brown sugar filling fills my kitchen with this heavenly smell while it bakes—it’s like an instant mood booster. And honestly, the cream cheese frosting is just perfection—it adds the perfect creamy, sweet touch that makes these rolls my go-to treat for any special morning.

Ingredients

• Warm milk gives moisture and protein to help activate yeast and enrich the dough a bit
• Active dry yeast ferments sugars to leaven the dough giving a fluffy texture in the rolls
• Granulated sugar makes the recipe sweet and helps with browning even though its not super healthy
• Unsalted butter adds richness and smooth flavor throughout both the dough and the filling
• Ground cinnamon brings a warm spice kick with a bit of natural antioxidants to boost flavor
• Brown sugar in the filling adds moisture, deeper sweetness and a touch of caramelized flavor
• Cream cheese frosting offers a tangy smoothness that nicely balances the sweet, rich roll flavors

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra if needed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened for filling
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the cream cheese frosting:
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make this

1. In a large bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F, then stir in the yeast and half a cup of granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Mix in 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, the 2 eggs, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the yeast mixture. Then gradually stir in 4 cups of all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it gets smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for around 1 hour or until doubled in size.

4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle with even thickness.

5. For the filling, spread 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter evenly over the dough. Then sprinkle 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon all over.

6. Starting at one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into about 12 even pieces.

7. Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving some space between them. Cover and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.

8. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.

9. While the rolls are baking, make your cream cheese frosting by mixing 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.

10. Once the rolls are done, let them cool a bit before drizzling the frosting on top and serving warm. Enjoy your super soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl for activating yeast and mixing ingredients
2. Kitchen thermometer to check the milk is around 110°F
3. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
4. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the mixture
5. Clean work surface dusted with flour and a rolling pin for shaping the dough
6. Sharp knife for cutting the rolled dough into even pieces
7. Greased baking pan for arranging the cinnamon rolls
8. Oven preheated to 375°F for baking the rolls
9. Additional bowl for preparing the cream cheese frosting

FAQ

The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of warm milk, you can try using almond milk or soy milk but make sure it’s heated to around 110°F too.
• If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast. Just reduce the amount a tiny bit cause it’s a bit stronger.
• You can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour if you want a slightly chewier texture. You might need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
• For the brown sugar in the filling, try using coconut sugar. It gives a slightly different flavor but works just fine.
• If you’re out of cream cheese for the frosting, try using mascarpone cheese mixed with a little bit of Greek yogurt. It makes for a creamy and tangy topping.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure the milk is really warm but not too hot when you mix it with the yeast. If it’s too hot the yeast can die, and then your dough won’t rise right. Double-check that thermometer or test with your finger.

2. When kneading the dough, don’t be afraid to sprinkle a bit of extra flour if it seems too sticky. But careful not to add too much because that can make the rolls tough.

3. Try to spread the butter and the cinnamon sugar evenly. It might seem like a chore but if you rush it you might end up with uneven swirls that dont bake as well.

4. Let the rolls cool just a little bit before putting on the cream cheese frosting. If they are too hot the frosting might melt and slide off instead of setting nicely.