Indulge in the warm, gooey goodness of freshly baked cinnamon rolls that will fill your home with an irresistible aroma! These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon sugar, making them the ultimate breakfast treat or dessert. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, they are guaranteed to impress family and friends. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any occasion—weekend brunches, holidays, or just because you deserve a sweet treat!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
½ cup unsalted butter, sliced

1 large egg
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons active dry yeast

For the Filling:

½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)

Instructions:

Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, and sliced butter. Microwave in 10-second bursts until the butter just melts and the mixture feels warm but not hot. Alternatively, you can warm the mixture in a pot over low heat on the stove.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Whisk the egg into the warm water and milk mixture to combine. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Pour the wet ingredients over the flour mixture.

Mix the Dough:
Using a wooden spoon, mix until you have a very thick and sticky dough. Add an additional cup of flour to the dough and mix until it begins to come together into a ball.
Knead the Dough:
This next step can be done by hand in the bowl or on a lightly floured work surface, or by using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment on medium speed. Knead the dough, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking, until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. When poked, the dough should spring back—if it doesn’t, continue kneading.
Rest the Dough:
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 20 minutes. The dough will puff up slightly, making it easier to roll out.

Roll Out the Dough:
Turn the rested dough onto a lightly floured work surface and roll it out into a rectangle approximately 14×10 inches. Use your hands to gently press and pull the edges to achieve a rectangular shape (it doesn’t have to be perfect!).
Prepare the Filling:
Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Roll the Dough:
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal and ensure it holds its shape.

Cut the Rolls:
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each roll to allow for rising.
Second Rise:
Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
Bake the Rolls:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Prepare the Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Frost the Rolls:
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top.

Cooking Tips:

Make Ahead: You can prepare the rolls the night before. After cutting them, place them in the fridge overnight and allow them to rise for about an hour before baking in the morning.
Flavor Variations: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the filling for added crunch and flavor.
Spice It Up: For a little extra warmth, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon filling.

Nutritional Benefits:

Balanced Ingredients: These cinnamon rolls combine carbohydrates from flour with fat from butter, making them a satisfying treat.
Calcium Source: The milk and cream cheese in the frosting contribute calcium, important for bone health.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These cinnamon rolls are not just any ordinary breakfast pastry; they are soft, fluffy, and loaded with sweet cinnamon flavor. The warm, gooey filling paired with the rich cream cheese frosting creates a delightful contrast that will make you crave more. They are perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying on a cozy morning at home.

Dietary Information:

Nut-Free: This recipe does not contain nuts, making it safe for those with nut allergies.

Can Be Made with Alternative Flours: For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend (ensure it’s designed for baking).
Moderation is Key: While delicious, these rolls are high in calories and sugar, so enjoy them as an occasional treat!

Why This Recipe Works:
This cinnamon roll recipe works perfectly because it combines simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. The resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll and resulting in soft rolls. The mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a flavorful filling that complements the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting. Baking the rolls at the right temperature ensures they rise beautifully while developing a golden crust.

Conclusion:
With their soft texture, sweet aroma, and rich cream cheese frosting, these Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether served fresh out of the oven or enjoyed later in the day, they bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful cinnamon rolls and create cherished memories with every bite!

Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Author: Olivia

Total Time: 1hr 50mins

Print Recipe

Description

Instructions

Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, and sliced butter. Microwave in 10-second bursts until the butter just melts and the mixture feels warm but not hot. Alternatively, you can warm the mixture in a pot over low heat on the stove.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Whisk the egg into the warm water and milk mixture to combine. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Pour the wet ingredients over the flour mixture.

Mix the Dough:
Using a wooden spoon, mix until you have a very thick and sticky dough. Add an additional cup of flour to the dough and mix until it begins to come together into a ball.
Knead the Dough:
This next step can be done by hand in the bowl or on a lightly floured work surface, or by using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment on medium speed. Knead the dough, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking, until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. When poked, the dough should spring back—if it doesn’t, continue kneading.
Rest the Dough:
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 20 minutes. The dough will puff up slightly, making it easier to roll out.

Roll Out the Dough:
Turn the rested dough onto a lightly floured work surface and roll it out into a rectangle approximately 14×10 inches. Use your hands to gently press and pull the edges to achieve a rectangular shape (it doesn’t have to be perfect!).
Prepare the Filling:
Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Roll the Dough:
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal and ensure it holds its shape.

Cut the Rolls:
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each roll to allow for rising.
Second Rise:
Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
Bake the Rolls:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Prepare the Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Frost the Rolls:
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top.

Prep Time: 50mins

Cook Time: 1hr

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