The Best Cinnamon Rolls ✨

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Elevate your breakfast experience with these incredibly soft and gooey cinnamon rolls, drizzled with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-follow recipe guarantees fluffy rolls bursting with warm cinnamon flavor, perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful morning with this irresistible homemade pastry!

Georgia Lane

Created by

Georgia Lane

Last updated on 2025-12-12T02:51:40.371Z

These cinnamon rolls are a family favorite, made with love and a touch of cinnamon magic.

Why Cinnamon Rolls Are a Must-Try

Cinnamon rolls are the epitome of comfort food, especially during those leisurely weekend mornings when you want to treat yourself. Their warm, sweet aroma fills the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that beckons everyone to gather at the breakfast table. But beyond their delightful scent, these rolls offer a combination of textures—from the soft, fluffy dough to the gooey cinnamon filling that melts in your mouth.

Crafting these delectable treats can be an enjoyable family activity. Involve the kids in the process of rolling and cutting the dough; it’s a great way to bond while creating delicious memories. Plus, who doesn’t love licking the bowl after making the cream cheese frosting?

Perfect Pairings with Your Cinnamon Rolls

While cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, they can be enhanced with various pairings. A hot cup of coffee or a steaming mug of tea complements the warm sweetness perfectly, making for a comforting breakfast experience. For a bit of indulgence, try serving your rolls with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, which can counterbalance the richness.

If you’re looking for something unique, consider adding a side of bacon or sausage. The savory flavors create a delightful contrast to the sweet rolls, transforming your breakfast into a well-rounded feast. This balance of flavors and textures ensures you won’t feel like you’ve overindulged, making for a satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

For the ultimate fluffy cinnamon rolls, make sure to use fresh yeast and warm milk, as this activates the yeast for optimal rising. Additionally, take care not to over-knead the dough; a smooth texture is essential but should remain soft and slightly sticky. If you're short on time, consider refrigerating the dough after the first rise. This slow fermentation process adds depth of flavor and can make your morning routine much easier.

Don't hesitate to customize your rolls! Adding nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the filling can give these classic rolls a personal twist. Just ensure that any additional ingredients don’t overwhelm the cinnamon flavor, which should remain the star of the show.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs

Filling

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup butter, softened

Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best results!

Instructions

Prepare the dough

In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add melted butter, salt, and eggs. Gradually add flour to form a dough.

Knead and rise

Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Make the filling

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.

Roll and slice

Roll the dough tightly and slice into 12 rolls. Place rolls in a greased baking dish.

Second rise

Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake

Bake the rolls for 25 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool slightly before frosting.

Prepare frosting

In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.

Serve

Drizzle frosting over warm rolls and enjoy!

Serve warm and enjoy these delicious cinnamon rolls!

Storing Your Leftover Rolls

If you have leftover cinnamon rolls (though they're likely to disappear quickly!), storing them properly is key to keeping them fresh. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The rolls will maintain their moisture and stay soft, allowing you to enjoy them a second time.

For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months. When you're ready to indulge again, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm them up in the microwave or oven before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

There are countless ways to serve cinnamon rolls that can elevate your breakfast experience. Consider plating them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist, or serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an added layer of sweetness. A sprinkle of chopped nuts can provide a delightful crunch, too.

For special occasions, transform your cinnamon rolls into festive treats by adding seasonal spices, like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice during the fall, or infusing them with citrus zest in the spring. The possibilities are endless, ensuring you can enjoy a unique version of this classic recipe every time!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls, place them in the fridge overnight, and bake them in the morning.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

The Best Cinnamon Rolls ✨

Elevate your breakfast experience with these incredibly soft and gooey cinnamon rolls, drizzled with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-follow recipe guarantees fluffy rolls bursting with warm cinnamon flavor, perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful morning with this irresistible homemade pastry!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Georgia Lane

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough

  1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  3. 1 cup warm milk
  4. 1/2 cup sugar
  5. 1/3 cup butter, melted
  6. 1/2 tsp salt
  7. 2 large eggs

Filling

  1. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  2. 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  3. 1/3 cup butter, softened

Frosting

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/2 cup butter, softened
  3. 2 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1 tsp vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add melted butter, salt, and eggs. Gradually add flour to form a dough.

Step 02

Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 03

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 04

Roll the dough tightly and slice into 12 rolls. Place rolls in a greased baking dish.

Step 05

Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 06

Bake the rolls for 25 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool slightly before frosting.

Step 07

In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.

Step 08

Drizzle frosting over warm rolls and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 4g