Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – Soft & Fluffy Homemade Cinnamon Buns

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in the oven—it’s warm, sweet, nostalgic, and simply irresistible. This Cinnamon Rolls Recipe delivers everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls: soft, pillowy dough swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing.

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Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or a cozy weekend treat, these homemade cinnamon rolls are easier to make than you think and absolutely worth the effort. Once you’ve had one fresh from your own oven, the store-bought version will never compare.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Active Time: 20 minutes

• Resting Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Bake Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: ~2 hours 25 minutes

• Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls

• Cuisine: American

• Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

 Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl

• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)

• Rolling pin

• Sharp knife or dental floss

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Oven

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 45°C)

• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

For the Filling:

• ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed

• 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 6 tablespoons softened butter

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 3 tablespoons butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons milk (for thinning, if needed)

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~360 kcal
Protein	6 g
Carbohydrates	48 g
Sugars	24 g
Fat	15 g
Saturated Fat	8 g
Fiber	2 g
Sodium	240 mg

 Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This means the yeast is alive and active.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir in flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand for about 10 minutes or with a stand mixer using the dough hook for 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.

Step 5: Add the Filling

Spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered surface.

Step 6: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the roll into 12 equal pieces.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 9: Make the Frosting

While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk (if needed) until smooth.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Let the rolls cool slightly (5–10 minutes), then spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey goodness!

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 Flavor Profile

• Warm and sweet from cinnamon and brown sugar

• Rich and creamy from the icing

• Soft and fluffy bread texture

• Mild tanginess from the cream cheese topping

The balance of textures and flavors in these cinnamon rolls makes them totally addictive.

 Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• Pillowy soft dough that melts in your mouth

• Make-ahead friendly – refrigerate overnight and bake fresh

• Perfect balance of sweetness and spice

• Customizable with nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit

• Beginner-friendly instructions for flawless results

• Ideal for special occasions, holidays, or cozy weekends

 Tips & Variations

• Overnight option: After slicing, cover and refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight. Let them sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.

• Add-ins: Try adding chopped pecans, raisins, or mini chocolate chips to the filling.

• Glaze instead of frosting: Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla for a classic glaze.

• Maple twist: Add a splash of maple syrup to the icing for an extra flavor kick.

• Make it dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter and cream cheese.

FAQs

Q1: Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?
A.Yes! Freeze after slicing and before the second rise. When ready to bake, thaw overnight and let rise before baking.

Q2: How do I keep them soft after baking?
A.Store in an airtight container. Reheat slightly in the microwave for that soft, gooey texture again.

Q3: Can I use instant yeast?
A.Yes. You can mix it directly with the flour and skip the blooming step.

Q4: What if I don’t have cream cheese?
A.Use a powdered sugar glaze or substitute mascarpone or Greek yogurt in the frosting.

Q5: Can I halve the recipe?
A.Definitely. Halve all ingredients and bake in an 8×8 dish for 6 cinnamon rolls