Welcome to the only cinnamon rolls recipe you’ll ever need. If you’ve been dreaming of perfectly soft, fluffy, and gooey cinnamon rolls topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is designed for enthusiastic home cooks who want to master the art of the classic cinnamon roll. We’re not just giving you steps; we’re sharing the secrets to achieving bakery-quality results in your own kitchen. Forget the store-bought versions; this homemade cinnamon rolls recipe is a game-changer.
We’ll walk you through everything, from activating the yeast to getting that perfect, pillowy texture. Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar.
Why This is the Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s all about the technique and the simple, high-quality ingredients. We use a rich dough that includes an egg for a tender crumb and whole milk for moisture. The filling is a perfect balance of buttery brown sugar and warm cinnamon. Best of all, this cinnamon rolls recipe is foolproof. We’ve included pro tips and detailed instructions to ensure your success, whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at yeast dough for the first time.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
For the best results, use high-quality ingredients. Room temperature ingredients, especially the egg and butter, will incorporate more easily into the dough.
For the Dough
Whole Milk: Provides moisture and fat for a soft, tender dough.
Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that makes the rolls rise.
Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Enriches the dough, adding flavor and tenderness.
Large Egg: Adds richness and structure.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our dough.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and controls the yeast’s activity.
For the Filling
Unsalted Butter: Should be very soft to spread easily.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show!
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the best texture.
Unsalted Butter: Adds a smooth, buttery flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully for the perfect homemade cinnamon rolls. The process is broken down to be as clear and simple as possible.
Step 1: Activating the Yeast
Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). It should feel like a warm bath. Pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This proves the yeast is active.
Step 2: Making the Dough
Add the melted butter, remaining sugar, and egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine. Fit your mixer with the dough hook and add the flour and salt. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Increase the speed to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 3: The First Rise (Proofing)
Lightly oil a large bowl. Form the dough into a ball and place it in the bowl, turning to coat it with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm, draft-free spot for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Making the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, stir together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined into a thick paste. Set aside.
Step 5: Rolling and Cutting the Rolls
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one of the long edges. Tightly roll the dough into a log, starting from the long edge. Cut the log into 12 even slices.
Step 6: The Second Rise
Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, until they look puffy and are touching each other.
The best part: adding a thick layer of cream cheese frosting.
Step 7: Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and the centers are cooked through. If they start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil.
Step 8: Whipping Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat again until light and fluffy. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for 5-10 minutes before spreading the frosting over them.
Pro Tips for the Fluffiest Cinnamon Rolls
Want to elevate your cinnamon rolls recipe from great to unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.
Don’t overheat the milk: Milk that is too hot can kill the yeast. Use a thermometer to be sure it’s around 110°F.
Use room temperature ingredients: The egg and butter will incorporate much better into the dough if they aren’t cold.
Don’t add too much flour: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky. Adding too much flour can result in dry, tough rolls.
Roll tightly: A tight roll ensures the filling stays inside and gives the rolls their signature spiral.
You can prepare the rolls the night before. After placing them in the baking pan (Step 6), cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about an hour to finish rising before baking as directed. This makes them one of the best easy baking recipes for a special morning treat.
Look at that perfect swirl! This is what fluffy cinnamon roll dreams are made of.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place a roll on a plate and microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and soft.
The secret lies in a rich, soft dough and giving it enough time to rise properly. Using whole milk and an egg creates a tender crumb, while two separate rises develop flavor and a light, airy texture.
The key to soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls is ensuring your dough is well-hydrated but not sticky, and not adding too much flour. A proper rise in a warm environment is also crucial for developing that signature airy texture.
Yes, absolutely! After arranging the rolls in the pan, cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 18 hours. The next day, let them sit at room temperature for about an hour to finish rising before baking.
The rolls are done when they are a light golden brown color and the center roll is cooked through. You can use a thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read 190°F (88°C).
There are two common reasons. First, your yeast may have expired or was killed by liquid that was too hot (over 120°F). Second, the room where the dough was rising might have been too cold. Yeast is most active in a warm, draft-free environment.
More Delicious Recipes To Try
We hope you loved this easy cinnamon rolls recipe. If you’re looking for more, check out our popular chocolate chip banana bread. Your feedback is invaluable, so please leave a comment below or share your creations on Pinterest. Happy baking!
Nothing beats the smell of homemade cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven!
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
FL Recipes
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Soft, Fluffy Buns
The ultimate cinnamon rolls recipe for perfectly soft, fluffy, and gooey homemade cinnamon rolls. This easy-to-follow guide guarantees bakery-quality results with a rich dough and a classic cream cheese frosting.
Warm milk to 110°F. Pour into a stand mixer bowl, sprinkle with yeast and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Add melted butter, remaining sugar, and egg to the yeast mixture. With the dough hook, add flour and salt. Mix on low until combined, then knead on medium for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Form dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover. Let rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a paste.
Punch down the dough. On a floured surface, roll into a 12x18-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly. Roll into a tight log and cut into 12 slices.
Place rolls in a greased 9x13-inch pan. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden brown.
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until fluffy. Let rolls cool for 5-10 minutes, then frost.
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcalProtein: 6gFat: 18gFiber: 2g
Notes
For the softest rolls, be careful not to overbake. You can use dental floss for a clean cut on the rolls. Ensure your yeast is not expired for the best rise.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
