How To Make Delicious Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm cinnamon-sugar goodness. Topped with a creamy cream cheese icing, they’re the ultimate comfort food for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With a little patience and love, you’ll be rewarded with the best cinnamon rolls you’ve ever tasted!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Soft & Fluffy: Bread flour creates the perfect chewy texture.
• Rich Flavor: Dark brown sugar and cinnamon create a decadent filling, while cream cheese icing adds a luxurious finish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup milk (2% or whole milk recommended, but almond milk works too ) 🥛
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for activating the yeast ) 🫚
• 2 1/4 teaspoons quick-rise yeast (1 packet, or use active dry yeast ) 🍞
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter , melted (plus extra for greasing the bowl ) 🧈
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (room temperature ) 🥚
• 3 1/2 – 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting ) 🌾
• 1 teaspoon salt 🧂

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter , softened (for spreading ) 🧈
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar ) 🫚
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 🌿

For the Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese , softened 🧀
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter , softened 🧈
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar , sifted 🫚
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌸

 Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast 🍞

1. Warm the milk in a small saucepan or microwave until it reaches 110°F–115°F (43°C–46°C) —it should feel warm but not hot.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk , granulated sugar , and yeast . Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes , or until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates the yeast is active.

Step 2: Make the Dough 🥄

1. Add the melted butter , egg , and egg yolk to the yeast mixture. Whisk until smooth.
2. Gradually stir in 3 1/2 cups of bread flour and the salt , mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes , adding up to 1/2 cup more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–1 1/2 hours , or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling 🌶️

1. In a small bowl, mix the dark brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls 🥮

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 16×12 inches .
2. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, pressing it gently into the butter.
4. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
5. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices . Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking pan, leaving space between each roll for rising.

Step 5: Second Rise ⏳

1. Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes , or until puffy and touching each other.

Step 6: Bake 🔥

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes , or until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Make the Icing 🧀

1. While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar , beating until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract . Adjust the consistency by adding a teaspoon of milk if needed.

Step 8: Ice and Serve 🍴

1. Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, let them cool slightly.
2. Drizzle the icing generously over the warm rolls.
3. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, cinnamon-spiced goodness!

Tips for Success:

• Milk Temperature: If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Aim for 110°F–115°F (43°C–46°C) .
• Active Dry Yeast: If using active dry yeast instead of quick-rise, dissolve it in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy before proceeding.
• Make Ahead: After assembling the rolls, cover them and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before the second rise and baking.
• Storage: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days . Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
• Freeze Option: Freeze unbaked rolls in a freezer-safe dish for up to 1 month . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let them rise and bake as directed.

Nutritional Information (per roll, makes 12):

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Protein: ~4g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Fat: ~10g

Indulge in these homemade cinnamon rolls for a treat that’s worth every step of the process. Their pillowy soft texture, rich cinnamon filling, and creamy icing make them irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just because, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Bake them once, and you’ll never settle for store-bought again!