Classic Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cinnamon rolls are a sweet and comforting pastry, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime treat. Made with soft, fluffy dough rolled up with a rich layer of cinnamon and sugar, they’re known for their gooey centers and irresistible aroma. Finished with a smooth glaze or cream cheese frosting, cinnamon rolls offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that makes them a favorite for all ages.

Key Info

Prep Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2.5 hours
Servings: 12 rolls
Difficulty: Moderate
Dietary: Vegetarian (vegan options available)

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook (or strong arms for kneading!)
• Rolling pin
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife or unflavored dental floss

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 2¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• ⅓ cup (75g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup (165g) brown sugar
• 2½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Activate the yeast by combining it with warm milk and 1 tbsp sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In your stand mixer bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
4. Knead for 8-10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
6. Roll dough into a 16×20 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
7. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
8. Roll tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 equal pieces.
9. Place rolls in greased baking pan, cover, and let rise 45 minutes.
10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Crucial Tips

• Ensure milk is warm, not hot (will kill yeast)
• Don’t skip either rise time
• Roll dough tightly for neat spirals
• Let ingredients come to room temperature

Storage

• Room temperature: 2 days
• Refrigerated: 1 week
• Frozen: 2 months (unfrosted)

Scaling

• Recipe easily halves for 6 rolls
• Double ingredients for 24 rolls (use two pans)

Common Mistakes

• Overworking the dough
• Using hot milk with yeast
• Underbaking (centers should be set)

Variations

• Add chopped pecans to filling
• Use orange zest in dough
• Top with maple glaze instead of cream cheese
• Replace milk with non-dairy alternative for vegan version