Indulge in the comforting embrace of homemade cinnamon rolls, featuring soft, pillowy dough swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, these rolls promise warmth and delight in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Soft Texture: The dough yields exceptionally tender and fluffy rolls that melt in your mouth.
• Gooey Cinnamon Filling: A generous spread of buttery cinnamon-sugar ensures a delectably gooey center.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: A smooth, tangy frosting complements the sweet rolls perfectly.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the rolls in advance and bake fresh for special occasions or leisurely mornings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Dough:
  • Whole milk
  • Unsalted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Active dry yeast
  • Eggs
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
• Filling:
  • Unsalted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
• Frosting:
  • Cream cheese
  • Unsalted butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • Warm the milk and melt the butter together.
   • Combine with sugar and yeast; let it activate.
   • Mix in eggs, then gradually add flour and salt to form a soft dough.
   • Knead until smooth, then let it rise until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • Mix softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon to create a spreadable paste.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
   • Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
   • Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface.
   • Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into individual rolls.
4. Second Rise:
   • Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.
   • Cover and let them rise until puffy.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown.
6. Prepare the Frosting:
   • Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Frost and Serve:
   • Spread the frosting over the warm rolls before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Preparation Time: Approximately 2 hours (including rising time)
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough.
• Fruit Infusion: Add raisins or chopped apples to the filling for a fruity twist.
• Glaze Alternative: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter topping.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

How do I ensure my cinnamon rolls are soft and fluffy?

Using bread flour can enhance the softness and fluffiness of the rolls due to its higher protein content, which develops more gluten. citeturn0search1

Can I prepare these cinnamon rolls the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking. citeturn0search5

What’s the purpose of adding heavy cream before baking?

Pouring warm heavy cream over the rolls before baking creates an extra moist and gooey texture, enhancing their richness. citeturn0news13

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be used interchangeably with active dry yeast. However, instant yeast may reduce the rising time slightly.

How can I prevent my filling from leaking out?

Ensure the dough is rolled tightly and pinch the seams to seal. Additionally, avoid overfilling to prevent leakage during baking.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese frosting?

While cream cheese frosting is traditional and adds a rich flavor, you can opt for a simple glaze or even enjoy the rolls plain if preferred.

Can I freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked rolls. When ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, let them rise at room temperature, and then bake as directed.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size during the rising periods. This typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the room temperature.

What’s the best way to cut the rolls evenly?

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: : 12 rolls
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

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Description

These warm and gooey cinnamon rolls are fluffy, buttery, and loaded with cinnamon sugar swirl. Perfectly baked and drizzled with luscious glaze—ideal for breakfast or dessert!

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Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1/4 cup water

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 egg

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Instructions

• Warm milk, water, and butter together. Add to dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

• Knead and let rise until doubled.

• Roll dough, spread filling, roll up, and slice into rolls.

• Let rise again, then bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

• Drizzle with glaze while warm.

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Notes

• Use dental floss for slicing rolls evenly.

• For extra gooeyness, add heavy cream before baking.