Cinnamon Roll Recipe: Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistible

Warm, gooey, and perfectly sweet, these homemade cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort bake. They’re soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, then topped with creamy frosting that melts into every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday gathering, or a special family treat, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress.

For a balanced brunch, try pairing these cinnamon rolls with something savory like Cheesy Chicken-Broccoli Orzo to complete your table spread.

This recipe is:

• Beginner-friendly with simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for weekends and special occasions
• Adaptable with different frostings or fillings

Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp salt

Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Warm milk to about 110°F and stir in yeast with 1 tbsp sugar. Let it sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, and yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
4. Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon and brown sugar.
5. Tightly roll up the dough from the long side and cut into 12 even rolls. Arrange in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and baked through.
7. While baking, prepare frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and fluffy.
8. Spread frosting generously over warm rolls before serving.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls

Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for the fluffiest texture. If you want to prepare ahead, refrigerate the rolls after shaping and let them rise in the fridge overnight, then bake the next morning. For a fun twist, try adding chopped pecans, raisins, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce after frosting.

Serving Ideas

Serve these rolls warm with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast, or make them the star of a brunch table alongside savory dishes like Creamy Garlic Shrimp. If you love sweets, keep an eye out for our Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites recipe, another irresistible treat that pairs perfectly with these cinnamon rolls.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Cinnamon rolls taste best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for 4–5 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their softness. You can also freeze unbaked rolls after shaping, then bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Recipe

This recipe delivers soft, pillowy dough, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and a creamy frosting that ties everything together. It’s a crowd-pleaser, versatile enough to customize, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell heavenly.

Wrap-Up

Baking cinnamon rolls at home is simpler than it seems, and the results are worth every minute. With the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and softness, these rolls will become a favorite for your breakfast or dessert table. Looking for more easy meals to prep and pack? Explore our Lunchbox Recipes for inspiration you can enjoy any day of the week.

This dish is quick, satisfying, and supports smart cooking habits that align with USDA home cooking principles.

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