Cinnamon Rolls

By: CALVIN ROURKE

Published: August 06, 2025

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Table of Contents

Why Make This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. The delicious smell of cinnamon and sugar fills your kitchen as they bake, making them hard to resist. Whether you are looking to impress your family or treat yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

How to Make The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever

Ingredients

  • 1 1/3 cup whole milk (320g)
  • 4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour (650g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200g)
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120g), room temp
  • 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature (113g)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (56g)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (60g)
  • 1 cup icing sugar (100g)

Directions

Dough:

  1. In a small pot, warm the milk gently. Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir and let it sit until it becomes frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and eggs. Then stir in the yeast mixture.
  3. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.

Filling:

  1. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and remaining salt.
  2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough.
  3. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon filling over the butter.

Assembly & Baking:

  1. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other. Cut into 12 equal rolls.
  2. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cream Cheese Icing:

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, softened butter, heavy cream, and icing sugar until smooth.
  2. Spread the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls.

How to Serve The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever

Serve these cinnamon rolls warm straight out of the oven. Drizzle extra icing on top for a delicious treat. They are great on their own or paired with coffee or tea.

How to Store The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever

You can keep leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave.

Tips to Make The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever

  • Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for a better rise.
  • Don’t skip the resting time for the dough; it helps them become fluffy.
  • You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

Variation

You can add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor. Experiment with different icing flavors like maple or vanilla for a fun twist!

FAQs

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the rolls might be denser. Consider mixing it with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.

Q: How do I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
A: You can freeze the unbaked rolls after cutting them. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, you can use plant-based milk, coconut oil instead of butter, and a flax egg as an egg substitute. Just ensure your icing is also dairy-free.

Print

Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with cinnamon and sugar. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any sweet treat.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 105 minutes
  • By: Calvin Rourke
  • Category: Desserts
  • Difficulty: Not specified
  • Cuisine: Not specified
  • Yield: 12 Servings
  • Dietary: None

Ingredients

  • 01 1 1/3 cup whole milk (320g)
  • 02 4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
  • 03 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 04 5 cups all-purpose flour (650g)
  • 05 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 06 2 teaspoons salt
  • 07 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
  • 08 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
  • 09 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200g)
  • 10 2 tbsp cinnamon powder
  • 11 3/4 tsp salt
  • 12 1/2 cup heavy cream (120g), room temp
  • 13 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature (113g)
  • 14 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (56g)
  • 15 1/4 cup heavy cream (60g)
  • 16 1 cup icing sugar (100g)

Instructions

Step 01

1. Warm the milk gently in a small pot. Add yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar; let sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.

Step 02

2. In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and eggs, then stir in the yeast mixture.

Step 03

3. Knead until dough is smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 04

4. For the filling, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and remaining salt in a bowl.

Step 05

5. Roll out dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over it, then sprinkle with cinnamon filling.

Step 06

6. Roll dough tightly and cut into 12 equal rolls.

Step 07

7. Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 08

8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 09

9. For icing, beat cream cheese, softened butter, heavy cream, and icing sugar until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.