Fluffy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Homemade cinnamon rolls in a pan topped with creamy frosting

There’s something truly magical about enjoying a soft, warm cinnamon roll fresh from the oven. That’s why we went through rounds of testing to perfect this recipe—so you get the absolute best results every time. These homemade cinnamon rolls feature a light, airy dough, a sweet and spiced cinnamon sugar filling, and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese glaze that ties it all together.

After the dough rises to fluffy perfection, it’s rolled out, covered generously with the rich cinnamon filling, and shaped into tight spirals. Once baked until golden brown, the final touch is a smooth cream cheese icing drizzled generously over the top. Whether you’re baking for a holiday breakfast, a weekend brunch, or just a cozy treat, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a beloved tradition in your kitchen.

🧾 Ingredients (Makes 12 Rolls)

Dough:

  • 2 cups (480 mL) whole milk, warm (100–110°F / 37–43°C)
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 5 cups (625 g) all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

Filling:

  • ¾ cup (165 g) light brown sugar
  • 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Frosting:

  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

👩‍🍳 Preparation

1. Make the Dough:

  • In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and melted butter. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

  • Add 4 cups of flour and stir until a sticky dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

  • In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until smooth.

3. Knead the Dough:

  • Add remaining 1 cup flour, baking powder, and salt to the risen dough. Stir, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Shape the Rolls:

  • Roll out dough into a large rectangle (½ inch thick). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across.

  • Roll the dough tightly from the short end into a log. Trim edges and cut into 12 equal rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife.

5. Second Rise:

  • Arrange rolls in 2 greased 9-inch round pans. Cover and let rise for 35–45 minutes, until puffy.

6. Bake:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

  • Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Make the Frosting:

  • While baking, whisk cream cheese, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and whisk until creamy.

8. Finish and Serve:

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