There’s nothing better than the smell of warm homemade cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. This recipe delivers soft, gooey, and fluffy rolls topped with a rich cream cheese frosting — the kind of comforting treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a little indulgence.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying these for the first time, this recipe is straightforward, foolproof, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe uses basic pantry staples. Here’s everything you’ll need:
The Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
The Cinnamon Filling:
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
The Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions – How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
1:
Prepare the Soft Cinnamon Roll Dough
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Slowly add flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
2:
Roll and Fill the Dough for Perfect Cinnamon Buns
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log.
- Cut into 12 even rolls using a serrated knife or dental floss.
3:
Let the Homemade Sticky Rolls Rise Again
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.
4:
Bake Your Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. Check after 15 minutes and loosely cover with foil if tops are browning too quickly.
5:
Frost and Serve
- Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Spread over warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls
- Use room temperature ingredients: Eggs and butter blend better when not cold.
- Don’t overflour: Dough should be slightly sticky. Too much flour = dry rolls.
- Check rise times: Temperature can affect how quickly your dough rises.
- Slice with floss: Dental floss makes cleaner cuts without squishing the dough.
- Frost while warm: The frosting melts into the rolls and creates that gooey topping we all love.
Make Ahead Instructions
Want to prep these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
- Overnight method: After placing the sliced rolls in the pan, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for about 45 minutes before baking.
- Freezer option: Freeze baked rolls (without frosting) in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat in the oven. Add fresh frosting after warming.
Storing & Reheating
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds or warm the whole pan in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty twists:
- Sticky buns: Add a brown sugar and pecan glaze to the bottom of the pan.
- Pumpkin spice rolls: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and add ½ cup pumpkin purée to the dough.
- Apple cinnamon: Add finely chopped apples to the filling for extra flavor.
- Maple glaze: Substitute the cream cheese frosting with a warm maple syrup glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Soft, fluffy, bakery-style texture
✔ Perfect balance of cinnamon sugar and rich frosting
✔ Easy to make at home with simple ingredients
✔ Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
✔ A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Whether you’re baking for a holiday breakfast or just want a cozy weekend treat, these homemade cinnamon rolls are always a hit.
Serve With…
Here are some delicious breakfast pairings:
- Scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast
- Fresh fruit salad to lighten up the meal
- Hot coffee, chai, or cinnamon tea to complete the experience
