Classic Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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Soft, fluffy, and gooey Cinnamon Rolls filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. These bakery-style rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1½–2 hours
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 2½–3 hours
Servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra as needed)

Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp milk (as needed)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add eggs, melted butter, and salt.
3. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.

2. Add the Filling

1. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.
2. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
3. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
4. Roll tightly from the long side into a log.
5. Cut into 12 equal rolls.

3. Second Rise & Bake

1. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until lightly golden.

4. Make the Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
3. Add milk until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
4. Spread over warm cinnamon rolls.

Tips for Extra Soft Rolls

• Use warm (not hot) milk so the yeast activates properly.
• Don’t add too much flour—slightly sticky dough makes softer rolls.
• Pour ¼ cup warm heavy cream over the rolls before baking for extra gooey centers.
• Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting so the icing doesn’t melt completely.

Variations

🍫 Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
🍎 Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add diced cinnamon-coated apples.
🥜 Pecan Rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans into the filling.
🍯 Maple Rolls: Add maple syrup to the frosting.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Up to 2 days in an airtight container.
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked rolls for up to 3 months.

These homemade cinnamon rolls are irresistibly soft, buttery, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor—the ultimate comfort breakfast treat. ☕✨