Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
Total Time: 2 hours 14 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Calories per Serving: 372
Macros: 46g carbs | 18g fat | 5g protein
Introduction
These Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are truly a game-changer — the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, and a rich cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re preparing them for a special breakfast, holiday brunch, or just a comforting treat, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. With a perfectly golden exterior and gooey interior, they’re a breakfast lover’s dream!
The dough is mixed, risen, and rolled out into a perfect rectangle, topped with buttery cinnamon sugar, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze, these rolls are sure to melt in your mouth. The recipe also offers overnight and freezer options, so you can plan ahead and enjoy them fresh from the oven whenever you want!
Look at the Recipe
- Soft, fluffy, gooey cinnamon rolls with a hint of spice
- Easy-to-follow, beginner-friendly dough recipe
- Topped with a rich cream cheese glaze for ultimate indulgence
Ingredients Needed
For the Dough:
- 1 cup milk (100-110℉)
- 1 tbsp instant dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp salted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup salted butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup salted butter (softened)
- 1–1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to adjust glaze consistency)
How to Make Our Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
1. Prepare the dough:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine milk, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, and egg. Stir until well combined. Gradually add flour and mix with a dough hook on low speed. Once the flour starts to incorporate, increase the speed to medium. Add more flour if needed to ensure the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, but remains soft and tacky (not sticky).
Once the dough reaches the right consistency, transfer it to a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Roll out the dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to remove air. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or baking sheet.
Roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
3. Add the filling:
Brush the rolled-out dough with melted butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Ensure the filling is evenly spread across the dough. Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a log.
Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 12 even slices.
4. Bake the rolls:
Place the rolls in the prepared baking dish, cover with a towel, and let them rise for 30–45 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Bake the rolls for 14 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
5. Prepare the glaze:
While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese glaze. In a bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk until smooth and drizzle-able.
6. Frost the rolls:
Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. While still warm, drizzle with the cream cheese glaze.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked cinnamon rolls by placing them in a freezer-safe container or wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 6 months. To reheat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven for a few minutes.
- Serving: Serve these rolls with extra glaze, a drizzle of maple syrup, or top them with your favorite fruit, like fresh berries or bananas.
Tips & FAQs
Can I make these rolls overnight?
Yes! After rolling and cutting the cinnamon rolls, place them in a greased pan, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, allow the rolls to come to room temperature before baking (about 45 minutes to 1 hour).
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use non-dairy butter and a dairy-free yogurt substitute for the glaze to make this recipe dairy-free.
How do I avoid dry cinnamon rolls?
The key to soft, moist cinnamon rolls is not overbaking them! Check them frequently as they bake and remove them when they are lightly golden. Also, let them cool slightly before serving to retain moisture.
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls before baking?
Absolutely! Once you’ve assembled the cinnamon rolls, freeze them individually on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
