If you crave melt-in-your-mouth, gooey, and irresistibly fragrant cinnamon rolls, look no further than The Best Cinnamon Rolls. These fluffy, pillowy spirals are slathered with velvety cream cheese frosting and swirled with a buttery brown sugar cinnamon filling that will fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just want to treat loved ones to something truly special, this recipe guarantees a bakery-worthy treat that you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, these are the cinnamon rolls you’ll dream about!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for The Best Cinnamon Rolls is refreshingly simple, but each element is essential in building that unforgettable flavor, cloud-soft texture, and signature swirl. Even the smallest detail (hello, creamy butter!) makes a delicious difference.
- Warm milk (1 cup, 110°F): Activates the yeast for a tender, rise-and-shine dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Gives the cinnamon rolls their loft and signature fluffiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with that golden color.
- Large eggs (2): Give structure and richness to the dough, making it soft and luxurious.
- Unsalted butter (1/3 cup, melted + 1/2 cup softened for filling): Brings rich flavor to both dough and filling while ensuring a tender crumb.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances out all the sweetness and enhances every flavor note.
- All-purpose flour (4 to 4 1/2 cups): The backbone of the rolls — use just enough for a soft, supple dough.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Sweetens the filling and brings those irresistible caramel notes.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star spice! Fills every roll with warmth and depth.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): For a tangy frosting that perfectly tops The Best Cinnamon Rolls.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): Lends the frosting its creamy, silky-smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a touch rounds out the frosting’s flavors beautifully.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons, as needed): Adjusts the consistency of the frosting to that perfect swoosh-able texture.
How to Make The Best Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast: in your stand mixer bowl, combine the warm milk with the yeast and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it’s foamy and smells yeasty — this is proof that your dough will rise beautifully. Next, add the sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix to combine until everything is golden and smooth. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft, barely-sticky dough forms. Attach your dough hook and knead for 5–7 minutes, letting it become smooth and elastic (your mixer will do the hard work!).
Step 2: Let it Rise
Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a cozy, draft-free spot for about 1 hour. By the end, the dough should have doubled in size, lightly pillowy and ready for cinnamon-scented action.
Step 3: Make the Filling
While the dough rises, stir together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until it forms a lush, spreadable paste. This mixture is what gives The Best Cinnamon Rolls their classic gooey center and unforgettable flavor — don’t skimp!
Step 4: Roll and Fill
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and lay it out on a well-floured surface. Use a rolling pin to gently shape it into a 16×12-inch rectangle — not too thin, not too thick. Spread the cinnamon filling all the way to the edges, right up to the corners, so every bite is infused with goodness. Now, working from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls with a sharp knife or some unflavored dental floss for ultra-neat spirals.
Step 5: Second Rise
Arrange your rolls cut side up in a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them again and let them rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy and lightly touching each other. This second rise guarantees those irresistibly soft, bakery-style results that truly make these The Best Cinnamon Rolls you’ve ever baked at home.
Step 6: Bake
While the rolls are fluffing up, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, until they’re lightly golden and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing. The tops should be just set, but the middles will stay soft — a balancing act that makes these rolls so dreamy.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
While the rolls bake, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is lush and without lumps. Drizzle in a splash or two of milk until you reach your preferred spreadable consistency. The creamy tang takes these rolls from delicious to absolutely over-the-top.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
While the rolls are still warm and inviting, slather on the cream cheese frosting so it melts into every sweet spiral. Serve right away, and get ready to watch them disappear in record time!
How to Serve The Best Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For an extra finishing touch on The Best Cinnamon Rolls, sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon over the icing, or add a fine dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. A handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts makes them feel extra-special, or try a drizzle of caramel sauce for over-the-top decadence.
Side Dishes
The Best Cinnamon Rolls pair beautifully with fresh fruit, like a handful of berries or tart orange slices, to cut through the richness. For a savory brunch balance, serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs or crisp bacon. And, of course, don’t forget a hot cup of coffee or your favorite breakfast tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your cinnamon rolls in a round baking dish for a “pull-apart” effect, or drizzle each with contrasting icings (think a white glaze in addition to cream cheese). Stack them on a fancy cake stand for a wow-worthy brunch centerpiece, or even cut mini rolls for a sweet breakfast party platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, don’t worry — The Best Cinnamon Rolls are just as dreamy the next day. Store any extra rolls tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. Make sure they’re sealed well to keep them soft and prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
Want to have fresh cinnamon rolls on demand? Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic and foil. They’ll keep their flavor for up to three months. You can even freeze the unbaked rolls (right after shaping) and bake fresh when you crave them most!
Reheating
To enjoy The Best Cinnamon Rolls as if they’re just out of the oven, reheat them gently. Microwave individual rolls for about 20–30 seconds, or cover the whole pan with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Add a little extra frosting after reheating for a bakery-soft finish.
FAQs
Can I make The Best Cinnamon Rolls overnight?
Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come back to room temperature and puff up a bit before baking as usual. This makes brunch so much easier and just as delicious!
How do I know I’ve added enough flour?
The dough should be soft, only slightly tacky, and pull away from the sides of the bowl. Resist the urge to add too much flour; a little stickiness means light, fluffy cinnamon rolls instead of dense ones.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No stand mixer? No problem! You can easily mix the dough by hand with a sturdy wooden spoon, then knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until you get that smooth, elastic texture.
Can I add extra spices or flavors?
Absolutely! For a twist on The Best Cinnamon Rolls, try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the filling, or toss in some finely chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for added interest.
What’s the best way to cut cinnamon rolls cleanly?
Dental floss (unflavored!) is a pro’s secret weapon. Slide it under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight — you’ll get perfectly neat slices with minimal squishing.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about baking The Best Cinnamon Rolls from scratch — the way the sweet scent warms the house and the soft swirl melts in your mouth truly can’t be beat. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate morning treat, I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with these cinnamon rolls as much as I have!
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The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rising)
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these homemade cinnamon rolls. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting – the perfect treat for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In the stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Make the filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Roll out dough, spread filling, roll, and cut into rolls.
- Bake: Place rolls in a dish, let rise, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk for desired consistency.
- Finish: Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- For overnight rolls, prepare up to the second rise, refrigerate, then bring to room temperature before baking.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
