Description

Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls swirled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these homemade cinnamon rolls are irresistible and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

¾ cup brown sugar
2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well. Gradually add the flour and knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.

3. Roll and Slice

Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long edge. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

4. Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

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

6. Frost and Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For make-ahead rolls, refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight and bake fresh in the morning. Let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

You can freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

To make them vegan, use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese substitutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes