If you adore the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, you are going to absolutely love this Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. It’s full of soft, pillowy dough layered with a sweet and spicy cinnamon swirl, finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts perfectly as it tops each roll. Whether you’re making breakfast for the family or treating friends to a cozy weekend bake, these cinnamon rolls will quickly become your new favorite indulgence and the centerpiece of any morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on the Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is surprisingly simple. These ingredients are everyday pantry staples that come together perfectly to create the classic, comforting flavor and tender texture everyone loves about cinnamon rolls.
- Yeast (1 package / 2 1/4 teaspoons): This little powerhouse makes the dough rise to light, fluffy perfection.
- Milk (1 cup): Warm milk activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with browning.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups plus up to 1/2 cup more): The backbone of the dough that creates structure and tenderness.
- Butter (6 tablespoons diced and softened + 1 stick softened): Butter makes the dough rich and the filling deliciously indulgent.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Eggs (2 large): Provide moisture and help tenderize the dough.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup packed): Gives that deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon swirl.
- White sugar (1/2 cup): Adds extra sweetness and texture contrast in the filling.
- Ground cinnamon (3 tablespoons): The star spice for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Cream cheese (3/4 cup): For the velvety frosting with a hint of tanginess.
- Icing sugar (1 cup or more to taste): Sweetens and thickens the frosting beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
- Pinch of salt: Keeps the frosting perfectly balanced.
How to Make Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by warming your milk to around 100°F; this activates the yeast without killing it. Combine the yeast with a bit of sugar and warm milk, then wait for it to bubble up—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Next, mix the flour, butter, salt, eggs, the yeast mixture, remaining milk, and sugar in your stand mixer bowl. Knead with a dough hook until it forms a smooth, elastic ball, adding a little flour if it’s too sticky. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, roughly one hour.
Step 2: Shape the Cinnamon Rolls
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle around 18 by 12 inches. Spread softened butter generously over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon, brown sugar, and white sugar mixture evenly on top. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log, sealing the seam well. Slice this log into 12 equal rolls using floss or a sharp knife and lay them in a greased 9×13 inch pan for their second rise—until nicely puffy and almost doubled, about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Bake the Rolls
As your rolls rise for the second time, preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for about 18 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, especially the ones on the edges since ovens can cook unevenly. If the center rolls need more time, loosely tent with foil and continue baking, allowing the heat to gently finish cooking them without burning the tops.
Step 4: Frost the Cinnamon Rolls
While the rolls bake, whip up the frosting by beating together cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Once the rolls come out of the oven, give them 5 minutes to cool before generously spreading the frosting over all of them, allowing it to melt into every warm crevice.
How to Serve Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding toppings like chopped pecans, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate your rolls to next-level deliciousness. These simple garnishes bring a delightful crunch, added sweetness, or a beautiful presentation flourish.
Side Dishes
A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a vanilla latte pairs perfectly with these indulgent cinnamon rolls. For a savory contrast, crispy bacon or scrambled eggs create a lovely breakfast balance that keeps you coming back for more.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls stacked on a pretty cake stand or arranged in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Wrapping each in parchment paper tied with a ribbon makes for a charming gift or party favor everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out. If you find they’re a bit firm the next day, a quick warm-up will bring back that fresh-baked softness.
Freezing
Cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully either before or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect against freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and warm gently before serving.
Reheating
For perfectly soft and warm cinnamon rolls, reheat in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes covered with foil. Adding a tiny bit of water to a baking dish before reheating can help keep them extra moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?
Absolutely! A stand mixer with a dough hook attachment is ideal for kneading the dough smoothly and saving you some elbow grease. Just be patient while kneading—around 10-12 minutes for the perfect texture.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
If you’re out of cream cheese, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream is a great alternative. It won’t have the tang of cream cheese but will still add a sweet finishing touch.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes, with some ingredient swaps like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacer, you can make a delicious vegan version of the Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Just keep in mind baking time and texture might vary slightly.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be a light golden brown color and spring back slightly when touched. You can also use a toothpick inserted into the center roll—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Definitely. Make the dough, shape the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and finish rising before baking the next morning for fresh, warm rolls.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade cinnamon rolls—the smell, the taste, and the joy of sharing them fresh and warm. This Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a timeless classic that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to get a bite. So gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and treat yourself to these irresistible delights soon. You’ll be so happy you did!
Print
Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These best homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Made from scratch using simple ingredients and a stand mixer, these rolls offer a perfect balance of sweet and spice, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus up to 1/2 cup more as needed)
- 6 tablespoons butter (diced and softened)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 1 stick butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Frosting
- 3/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup icing sugar (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Warm Milk and Activate Yeast: Warm the milk to approximately 100°F, ensuring it does not exceed 105°F to avoid killing the yeast. In a small bowl, combine yeast with 1 tablespoon of warm milk and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough Mixture: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add flour, 6 tablespoons diced softened butter, salt, eggs, the activated yeast mixture, the remaining warm milk, and granulated sugar. Stir lightly to combine the ingredients.
- Knead Dough: Attach the dough hook to the mixer and knead on medium speed for about 10-12 minutes until a smooth dough ball forms. If the dough is too sticky and doesn’t come together, add flour a tablespoon at a time while mixing on low speed until it pulls together, avoiding excess flour to maintain a soft texture.
- First Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and shape it into a smooth ball, pinching the bottom seam. Place the dough seam side down, cover with a clean tea towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Dust your work surface with flour, punch down the risen dough, and roll it out into a rectangle about 18 by 12 inches and approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Add Filling: Spread 1 stick of softened butter evenly over the dough surface. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Using dental floss or a sharp knife, slice the roll into 12 even cinnamon rolls.
- Second Dough Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, seam-side down. Cover with a tea towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes until they are puffy and nearly doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for approximately 18 minutes until the tops are lightly golden brown. Check the rolls frequently. If the center rolls are undercooked after 20 minutes, tent the pan with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes as needed.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Frost Rolls: Remove the baked rolls from the oven and set the pan on a wire rack. Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
- Serve: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool just until they can be touched comfortably, then serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is not too hot when activating yeast to prevent killing it.
- Add flour gradually during kneading to avoid a tough texture.
- Use dental floss to slice rolls for cleaner cuts without squashing.
- If baking oven heats unevenly, tent rolls with foil to prevent burning while ensuring thorough baking.
- The rolls are best served warm but can be reheated gently for freshness.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-38 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
