There’s something deeply comforting about homemade cinnamon rolls. The way they fill the kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma while baking, their soft, fluffy texture, and the indulgent cream cheese glaze make them a beloved treat for all ages. Whether enjoyed as a special breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, these cinnamon rolls are sure to bring smiles to the table. This recipe walks you through making classic soft cinnamon rolls from scratch. It’s beginner-friendly and yields consistently fluffy and gooey rolls that are hard to resist.
Ingredients are divided into three simple parts: the dough, the cinnamon sugar filling, and the cream cheese glaze. The dough is soft and tender, the filling is rich with brown sugar and cinnamon, and the glaze is creamy and slightly tangy, balancing out the sweetness perfectly.
Ingredients for the Dough
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
¾ cup warm milk (about 105°F or 40°C)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
1 large egg
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ teaspoon salt
This dough is enriched with butter and egg, giving it a soft and rich texture. Warm milk helps activate the yeast and creates a tender crumb. Be sure not to use hot milk, as it may kill the yeast. The sugar provides sweetness and helps feed the yeast, while salt balances the flavors.
Ingredients for the Filling
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
The filling is a simple yet irresistible mixture. Brown sugar gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness, while cinnamon adds warmth and spice. Softened butter allows the mixture to stick to the dough and melt perfectly during baking.
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Glaze
100 grams cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
This glaze is smooth and velvety, with a mild tang from the cream cheese. You can adjust the consistency with more or less milk, depending on whether you prefer a drizzle or a thick spread.
Making the Dough
Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then add the yeast. Allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to use.
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, the egg, and the softened butter. Mix until a dough begins to form. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 8 minutes. If kneading by hand, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 to 12 minutes. The dough should be soft, slightly tacky, and smooth.
First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. The dough will become noticeably puffy and soft.
Rolling and Filling
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, approximately 14 inches by 10 inches. Spread the softened butter over the dough evenly, covering the surface right up to the edges.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough. Gently pat the sugar mixture into the dough to help it adhere.
Shaping the Rolls
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 10 to 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls cut-side up into a greased baking pan, spacing them just slightly apart.
Second Rise
Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they are puffy and touching each other. This second rise allows the rolls to become even softer and ensures they bake evenly.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Once preheated, bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are cooked through. The smell will be irresistible at this stage.
Making the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, then mix until fully incorporated. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. A thicker glaze sits on top, while a thinner glaze soaks in more.
Finishing Touch
Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes. While still warm, spread the cream cheese glaze over the top of the rolls. The warmth will slightly melt the glaze, allowing it to spread beautifully and infuse the rolls with flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, either fresh from the oven or reheated slightly in the microwave or oven. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a truly comforting experience. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Storage and Reheating
To store leftovers, place the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave each roll for 15 to 20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 10 minutes.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping them. Place them in a pan, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, allow to rise at room temperature until puffy, then bake as usual. Baked rolls can also be frozen. Cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
Variations
For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk in the glaze. You can also add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture. A touch of orange zest in the glaze adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
Conclusion
Making cinnamon rolls from scratch may take a little time, but the process is simple and the results are worth every minute. These rolls are soft, flavorful, and covered in a smooth, creamy glaze that takes them to the next level. Whether you are baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Let the aroma of homemade cinnamon rolls fill your home and enjoy the comforting joy they bring with every bite.