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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

A close-up of a single, perfectly soft cinnamon roll topped with creamy white icing.

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Learn to make soft, gooey cinnamon rolls from scratch. This recipe is perfect for a weekend breakfast or special occasion, with clear instructions for beginner bakers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • For the Filling:
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • For the Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt.
  3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down dough and roll into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  7. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
  8. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a ½ inch border.
  9. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the butter.
  10. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long edge.
  11. Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces.
  12. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
  13. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  14. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  15. While rolls bake, prepare the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  16. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  17. Gradually add milk until desired consistency is reached.
  18. Spread frosting over warm cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
  • Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the dough.
  • For softer rolls, do not overbake.
  • Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting for the best texture.

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