Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls are one of the most beloved baked treats in the world, known for their soft, pillowy dough spiraled around a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This classic pastry is the perfect fusion of comfort and indulgence.

Whether enjoyed warm for breakfast, as a cozy afternoon treat, or shared during holidays and gatherings, cinnamon rolls never fail to create a moment of joy and nostalgia. What makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible is the contrast of textures and flavors — the tender dough, the buttery cinnamon swirl, and the rich, velvety icing that melts into every groove.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it creates exceptionally soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls every single time, thanks to a dough enriched with butter, milk, and eggs.

The cinnamon filling has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, and the cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finishing touch that ties it all together.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because:

• It delivers bakery-quality results at home.
• It’s perfect for celebrations, holidays, or weekend baking projects.
• The dough is soft, airy, and easy to work with, even for beginners.
• The flavor combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and cream cheese frosting is universally loved.
• It freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy fresh rolls anytime.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Servings, Calories, Course & Cuisine

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes (plus 1.5–2 hours rise time)
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: Around 2.5–3 hours
• Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
• Calories: Approx. 350–400 calories per roll (with frosting)
• Course: Breakfast / Dessert / Brunch
• Cuisine: American / European-inspired

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm whole milk
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1⁄3 cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Filling

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1⁄3 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Prepare the dough, knead it, and let it rise until doubled.
2. Roll it out into a rectangle.
3. Spread the butter and cinnamon-sugar filling.
4. Roll the dough, slice into equal rolls, and allow them to rise again.
5. Bake until golden.
6. Frost while warm and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• Warm the milk until it’s about 105–110°F (lukewarm).
• Stir in the sugar and yeast.
• Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

• In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and salt.
• Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
• Knead by hand or mixer for 7–8 minutes until supple and smooth.

Step 3: First Rise

• Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
• Let rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, until doubled.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

• Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in one bowl.
• Keep softened butter ready for spreading.

Step 5: Roll the Dough

• Punch dough down.
• Roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.

Step 6: Spread Filling

• Spread butter evenly over the dough.
• Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture generously.

Step 7: Roll and Cut

• Starting from the long side, tightly roll into a log.
• Cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or floss.

Step 8: Second Rise

• Place rolls in a greased baking dish.
• Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 9: Bake

• Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 10: Frost

• Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
• Spread frosting over warm rolls so it melts slightly into the spirals.

Save it

How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls

• Serve warm with extra frosting if desired.
• Pair with milk, chai, coffee, hot chocolate, or a breakfast spread.
• For a special touch, dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients for best dough texture.
• Rising works best in a warm, draft-free area.
• If slicing with a knife squashes the rolls, use unflavored dental floss for clean cuts.
• Do not overbake—slightly soft centers = gooey perfection.
• Frost while warm for melting effect, or frost after cooling for thicker topping.

Recipe Variations

Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Add chopped pecans to the filling and drizzle caramel sauce on top after baking.

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Add mini chocolate chips inside the roll and drizzle melted chocolate on top.

Maple Frosted Cinnamon Rolls

Swap vanilla with maple extract and add a drizzle of maple syrup in the frosting.

Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Add orange zest to the dough and replace milk in frosting with fresh orange juice.

Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Use vegan butter, plant milk, and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.

Freezing and Storage

Storage

• Room Temperature: 2 days in an airtight container.
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days. Reheat 10–15 seconds before serving.

Freezing (Unbaked Rolls)

• After shaping, freeze rolls on a tray, then store in a bag/container.
• Thaw overnight, let rise 1 hour, then bake normally.

Freezing (Baked Rolls)

• Freeze individually wrapped rolls for up to 2–3 months.
• Reheat in microwave or oven until warm.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish or pan
• Dough scraper (optional)
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Sharp knife or dental floss for cutting

Conclusion

Cinnamon Rolls are a timeless treat that offer warmth, comfort, and indulgence with every bite. This recipe gives you everything you need to create soft, gooey, perfectly spiraled rolls that rival any bakery. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something cozy, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to satisfy. Enjoy them fresh, customize them to your taste, and share them with the people you love — because few things bring joy quite like a warm cinnamon roll straight from the oven.

If you’d like, I can also create a printable version, a shorter condensed recipe card, or a vegan/healthy version.