If you’re craving soft, fluffy, and indulgent cinnamon rolls, this recipe is the one to try! These homemade cinnamon rolls are incredibly easy to make and will be the star of your holiday brunch or weekend breakfast. With a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling and a decadent cream cheese frosting, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a sweet, comforting treat.

Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade cinnamon rolls are everything you want in a perfect breakfast treat: warm, soft, fluffy, and dripping with sweet, cinnamon goodness. The dough is soft and buttery, with a rich, spiced filling that melts in your mouth. The easy cream cheese frosting takes it to another level, giving these rolls a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon filling. Whether you’re serving them for a special holiday or just want to indulge yourself, these cinnamon rolls are sure to please.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

1 package yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
1 cup milk
½ cup granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus up to ½ cup more as needed)
6 tablespoons butter, diced and softened
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs

For the filling:

1 stick butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup white sugar
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the easy cream cheese frosting:

¾ cup cream cheese
1 cup icing sugar (or more to taste)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

Make the dough: Warm the milk to around 100°F (30-45 seconds in the microwave). In a small bowl, combine the yeast with 1 tablespoon of warm milk and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, butter, salt, eggs, yeast mixture, and the remaining milk and sugar. Stir lightly to combine.
Knead the dough in the stand mixer with the dough hook on medium speed until it forms a smooth ball (about 10-12 minutes). If the dough is too sticky, add more flour a tablespoon at a time.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, shaping it into a ball. Cover with a tea towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the cinnamon rolls: Punch down the dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle, approximately 18×12 inches and about ¼ inch thick.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the butter.
Roll the dough tightly into a log from the longer side and pinch the seam to seal. Slice the log into 12 rolls (use dental floss or sewing thread for neat slices).
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover with a tea towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes, or until puffy and almost doubled in size.
Bake the cinnamon rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for about 18 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. If the center rolls aren’t fully baked after 20 minutes, tent the pan with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Frost the rolls: Beat the cream cheese frosting ingredients together with a hand mixer until smooth. Once the rolls are done, let them cool for 5 minutes before frosting them while warm.
Let the rolls cool until they’re cool enough to touch, then serve and enjoy warm!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to add additional xanthan gum if your blend requires it for better structure.
Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Use plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk), dairy-free butter, and flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
Cinnamon Roll Bites: Instead of rolling up the dough into one large log, cut it into smaller pieces and bake them in muffin tins for individual servings.
Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for an extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
Reheating: Reheat cinnamon rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warm.

FAQs

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should be doubled in size and feel soft and slightly puffy. You can test it by gently pressing a finger into the dough; if it leaves a slight indentation, it’s ready.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! You can make the dough, let it rise, and then cover and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out and proceeding with the recipe.

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls before baking them?

Yes! After you’ve shaped the rolls, place them in a greased baking dish and cover them tightly. Freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and allow them to rise before baking.

How do I make sure my cinnamon rolls are soft?

The key is to not over-bake them. Keep an eye on them as they bake and remove them from the oven as soon as they turn golden brown.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or a buttercream frosting if you prefer.

Why is my dough not rising?

If your dough isn’t rising, the yeast may not have been activated properly. Make sure your milk was warm (not too hot) and check the expiration date on your yeast.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer, but kneading the dough by hand will take a little more time and effort.

How do I make sure my cinnamon rolls are evenly baked?

Ensure that the rolls are placed in the pan with enough space between them to rise. If the rolls are too close together, they may not bake evenly.

Can I add more cinnamon to the filling?

Yes, feel free to increase the cinnamon to your taste preference. Some people love an extra-spicy cinnamon roll!

How long can I store cinnamon rolls?

Stored properly, cinnamon rolls can last up to 1 week in the fridge. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months for long-term storage.

Conclusion

These homemade cinnamon rolls are the ultimate indulgence for any breakfast or brunch occasion. Soft, gooey, and perfectly spiced, they’re sure to become a household favorite. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the delicious taste of homemade cinnamon rolls without any of the hassle. Whether you make them for a special occasion or a casual weekend morning, these cinnamon rolls will always be a hit!

Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe