These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and perfectly sweet. With a rich and buttery dough, filled with a spiced cinnamon-sugar mixture, and topped with creamy cream cheese icing, they are sure to be a family favorite. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, brunch, or holiday treat, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and fluffy: The dough is light and airy, creating melt-in-your-mouth rolls.
Perfectly spiced: The cinnamon-sugar filling adds the right amount of sweetness and warmth.
Cream cheese icing: The tangy cream cheese frosting complements the sweetness of the rolls perfectly.
Make ahead: These cinnamon rolls can be prepared the night before and baked the next morning.

Ingredients

For the Dough

All-purpose flour: This is the base of the dough, creating the structure and texture of the cinnamon rolls.
Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives the rolls their light and airy texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
Milk: Adds moisture and softness to the dough.
Unsalted butter: Provides richness and flavor to the dough.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and add moisture to the dough.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.

For the Filling

Brown sugar: The brown sugar creates a caramelized sweetness in the filling, making the rolls extra gooey.
Ground cinnamon: Adds the warm, comforting flavor that makes cinnamon rolls irresistible.
Unsalted butter: The butter in the filling ensures that the sugar and cinnamon mixture sticks together and melts into the dough as it bakes.

For the Cream Cheese Icing

Cream cheese: The base of the icing, providing a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the rolls.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the icing and makes it smooth and spreadable.
Vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the icing.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Make the Icing

While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese icing. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Frost the Rolls

Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the warm rolls and serve.

Tips for Success

Don’t rush the rise: Be sure to allow the dough to rise fully, as this will give your cinnamon rolls their soft, fluffy texture.
Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature to ensure smooth and creamy icing.
Overnight option: You can prepare the rolls the night before, let them rise in the fridge overnight, and bake them the next morning.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Servings: 12
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 180mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 4g

FAQ

Q1: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A1: Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. There’s no need to proof instant yeast in warm milk, just add it directly to the dry ingredients.

Q2: Can I make these cinnamon rolls the night before?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the rolls, let them rise overnight in the fridge, and bake them the next morning. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before baking if you choose this method.

Q3: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A3: You can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, making the rolls denser.

Q4: How can I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q5: Can I use cream cheese frosting from a store?
A5: Yes, you can use store-bought cream cheese frosting if you’re short on time, but homemade frosting tastes best and is easy to make.

Q6: How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
A6: The rolls should be golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean.

Q7: Can I add nuts to the cinnamon rolls?
A7: Yes, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra flavor and crunch.

Q8: Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
A8: To make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute and non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy milk. You can also use dairy-free cream cheese for the icing.

Q9: What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
A9: You can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal or chia egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, allowed to sit for a few minutes until gel-like).

Q10: Can I use a different type of icing?
A10: Yes, you can use vanilla icing, caramel frosting, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze instead of the cream cheese icing.