Nora
Golden, fluffy, and dripping with luscious cream cheese frosting, these cinnamon rolls are the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. The rolls are tender and buttery with just the right amount of chew, swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling that melts into the dough as they bake. Each roll is smothered in a thick layer of velvety frosting, adding a tangy-sweet finish that takes them from indulgent to unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch or looking for the ultimate breakfast treat to impress your guests, these cinnamon rolls are it. They’re made with a soft yeast dough that’s surprisingly easy to work with and can be prepared ahead of time for morning baking. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply when you need a little extra sweetness in your day.
Ingredients for The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- For the Filling:
- ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (just warm to the touch, not hot). Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add in the eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Make sure your butter is softened and ready for spreading.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface of the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, making sure it’s evenly distributed to the edges.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Slice into 12 even rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until lightly golden on top. Be careful not to overbake — you want them soft and gooey inside.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While the rolls bake, make the cream cheese frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes, then spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls so it melts into all the crevices. Serve immediately and enjoy the magic!
Estimated Nutrition
Per roll (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: ~370
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Sugar: 26g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
Note: Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After kneading, cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
2. What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No problem. You can mix and knead the dough entirely by hand — it just takes a little extra effort.
3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely. You can skip the proofing step and mix the instant yeast directly with the flour and other dry ingredients.
4. Why are my cinnamon rolls dry?
Overbaking is usually the culprit. Check them at 20 minutes — they should be golden but still soft.
5. Can I use plant-based ingredients?
Yes. Swap butter for vegan margarine, use almond or oat milk, and go with dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
6. How do I reheat cinnamon rolls without drying them out?
Microwave for 15–20 seconds with a damp paper towel on top, or reheat in a covered dish at 300°F for 10 minutes.
7. Why didn’t my dough rise?
Your yeast may have expired or the liquid could’ve been too hot, which kills the yeast. Aim for a milk temp around 110°F.
8. What can I add to customize the filling?
Try chopped pecans, raisins, or even mini chocolate chips for a fun twist!
The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
Description
Soft, buttery, and irresistibly gooey, these cinnamon rolls are a bakery-style treat you can make right at home. With pillowy dough spiraled with rich cinnamon sugar and crowned with a thick layer of silky cream cheese frosting, they melt in your mouth with every bite. This is the ultimate recipe for indulgent weekend breakfasts, cozy brunches, or any time you want to spoil yourself or loved ones.
Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast ideas, an easy recipe to impress guests, or simply craving a sweet baked good, these cinnamon rolls deliver big comfort and flavor. Their warm cinnamon aroma fills your kitchen while baking, and the soft frosting oozes into every swirl. It’s a comforting classic that never goes out of style and always brings people together.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
2 large eggs
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Warm the milk to 110°F, sprinkle in yeast, and let sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
- Mix in eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Gradually add flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead until smooth and elastic (8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 with stand mixer).
- Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the filling.
- Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread butter, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
- Roll up tightly from the long side. Slice into 12 rolls.
- Place in greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Make frosting by beating cream cheese and butter, then add sugar, vanilla, and salt.
- Spread frosting on warm rolls and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast