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Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – Soft and Gooey Homemade Treat

Soft homemade Cinnamon Rolls filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with cream cheese glaze.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or holiday baking.
Easy step-by-step recipe with fluffy bakery-style results.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast / Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 1 cup warm milk 110–120°F / 240mL
  • 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 4⅔ cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Filling

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • tablespoons cinnamon

For the Glaze

  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions
 

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  • In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  • Add the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Mix on low speed until combined, then knead on medium-low speed for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes soft, springy, and slightly tacky without sticking to your fingers.

Step 3: First Rise

  • Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Pan

  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or baking spray.

Step 5: Roll the Dough

  • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll into a 12×24-inch rectangle.
  • Step 6: Add the Filling
  • Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border on one long side. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.

Step 7: Roll and Slice

  • Starting from the long side opposite the border, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal Cinnamon Rolls using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss.

Step 8: Second Rise

  • Place the rolls into the prepared baking dish. Cover loosely and let rise for about 1 hour until puffy and nearly doubled.

Step 9: Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden brown.

Step 10: Make the Glaze

  • Beat together cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Add milk as needed for desired consistency.

Step 11: Frost and Serve

  • Spread one-third of the glaze over the warm rolls straight from the oven. Let cool for 5 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze over the top. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Serve with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
  • Add maple extract to the glaze for extra flavor.
  • Store leftovers tightly covered to maintain softness.
  • You can freeze unglazed Cinnamon Rolls before baking.