Ultimate Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistibly Delicious
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with sweet cinnamon-sugar and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. A decadent breakfast or dessert recipe that's easy to make at home. Festive and comforting, perfect for any occasion.
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 300kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2.5 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and a spoonful of granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare the dough: Stir in the remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, and egg into the foamy yeast mixture.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
- Prepare cinnamon filling: While dough rises, mix light brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll and fill: Turn dough onto a floured surface, roll into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over dough, then sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture to cover.
- Roll up dough: Tightly roll the dough into a log and slice into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased baking pan.
- Second rise: Cover and let rise 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake 15 to 20 minutes until golden.
- Prepare frosting: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1-2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) to activate yeast.
Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.
For extra gooey filling, press rolls slightly before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.
For extra gooey filling, press rolls slightly before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.