Cinnamon Rolls

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Experience the ultimate comfort food with these soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls that melt in your mouth. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, this recipe is a family favorite that will inspire delightful mornings and cozy gatherings. Perfect for brunch or a sweet treat, they’re oh-so-easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Hayley Morton

Created by

Hayley Morton

Last updated on 2025-12-10T16:24:03.926Z

These cinnamon rolls are the perfect addition to any gathering, filling the air with a warm, inviting aroma that beckons all to the table.

The Perfect Brunch Treat

Cinnamon rolls are a quintessential brunch dish, perfect for both special occasions and casual weekend mornings. Their delightful aroma wafting through the kitchen can elevate any gathering, making it a memorable experience for family and friends. Whether served alongside fresh fruit, a hearty omelet, or a steaming cup of coffee, these rolls are sure to impress and satisfy. The combination of spices and sweetness makes them irresistible, and they are a dish that everyone can enjoy together.

Moreover, cinnamon rolls are incredibly versatile. You can customize the flavor by adding nuts or dried fruits, or even experimenting with different types of icing. This allows you to make the recipe your own, ensuring that it fits every palate. By incorporating seasonal ingredients or unique toppings, you can keep the tradition alive while adding a personal twist that your loved ones will appreciate.

A Simple Yet Rewarding Recipe

One of the best aspects of this cinnamon roll recipe is its simplicity. While homemade baked goods often tend to be daunting, this recipe breaks each step down into manageable parts, making it accessible for novice bakers. With basic ingredients and equipment, you can create something truly special without much fuss. The satisfaction of pulling warm, freshly baked cinnamon rolls from the oven is an experience that can’t be matched.

Additionally, this recipe’s forgiving nature means that it adapts well to different skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, you will find joy in creating these delightful treats. From mixing the dough to rolling it out, each step brings you closer to the warm, buttery goodness that awaits. When topped with the creamy frosting, every bite becomes a moment of bliss.

The Importance of Proper Rising

One key to achieving the perfect texture for your cinnamon rolls lies in the rising process. Allowing the dough to rise adequately not only contributes to its light and fluffy quality but also enhances the overall flavor. Yeast works its magic during this time, creating air pockets that make the rolls soft and tender. Skipping or shortening this step may result in dense and chewy rolls that lack the desired softness, so patience is essential.

Additionally, rising in a warm environment helps to speed up the fermentation process. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough near a warm oven or covering it with a damp cloth to trap warmth. The waiting time may feel long, but it's the key to transforming basic ingredients into a beautifully risen dough that leads to scrumptious cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Filling

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup butter

Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, and butter until warm (not boiling). Remove from heat and let cool to around 110°F. Stir in yeast and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

In a large bowl, combine the milk mixture with eggs, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead and Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling

Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the butter, and sprinkle the sugar mixture on top.

Roll and Cut

Roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish.

Final Rise

Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Frosting

Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.

Enjoy your freshly baked cinnamon rolls!

Storing and Reheating

To keep your cinnamon rolls fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to three days without losing their moistness. For longer storage, consider placing them in the refrigerator, where they can stay good for up to a week. This way, you can enjoy the taste of homemade cinnamon rolls even days after baking, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.

If you desire that freshly baked taste once more, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or gently warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. The key is to ensure that they are warmed through without drying out, retaining that soft, delightful texture they are known for.

Customization Ideas

This cinnamon roll recipe is a wonderful base for customization. You can spice things up by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, raisins, or apples to the filling. Each addition not only adds texture but also boosts the flavor profile, making your rolls unique and memorable. Feel free to experiment with flavored cream cheese or different icing variations, such as chocolate ganache or maple glaze, to find your favorite combinations.

Don’t forget the toppings! Drizzling a little melted chocolate over the top or sprinkling some chopped nuts can make your cinnamon rolls even more appealing. Seasonal spices like nutmeg or ginger can also be used for a delightful twist, giving your rolls a signature touch suited to your personal style and taste preferences.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls, refrigerate them, and bake them the next day. Just allow extra time for rising.

→ Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! They can be frozen either before baking or after. Just ensure they are wrapped properly.

Cinnamon Rolls

Experience the ultimate comfort food with these soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls that melt in your mouth. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, this recipe is a family favorite that will inspire delightful mornings and cozy gatherings. Perfect for brunch or a sweet treat, they’re oh-so-easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Prep Time20.0
Cooking Duration25.0
Overall Time45.0

Created by: Hayley Morton

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12.0

What You'll Need

Dough

  1. 1 cup milk
  2. 1/4 cup sugar
  3. 1/2 cup butter
  4. 2 eggs
  5. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  6. 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  7. 1 teaspoon salt

Filling

  1. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  3. 1/4 cup butter

Frosting

  1. 4 oz cream cheese
  2. 1/4 cup butter
  3. 1 cup powdered sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, and butter until warm (not boiling). Remove from heat and let cool to around 110°F. Stir in yeast and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

In a large bowl, combine the milk mixture with eggs, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.

Step 02

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 03

Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the butter, and sprinkle the sugar mixture on top.

Step 04

Roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish.

Step 05

Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 06

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 07

Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 4g