The Best Cinnamon Rolls You’ll Ever Eat

Looking for the best cinnamon rolls that are soft, gooey, and bursting with cinnamon flavor? This homemade recipe for classic cinnamon rolls is the answer! With a buttery dough, a rich brown sugar and cinnamon filling, and a creamy cream cheese frosting, these rolls are sure to become your new favorite breakfast or dessert. Ideal for weekend baking, holidays, or anytime you’re craving a sweet treat, these cinnamon rolls are soft in the center with a perfectly golden, slightly crispy edge.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup (180g) warm milk (whole milk or 2% preferred) at 110°F
• 2 ¼ teaspoons quick rise or active yeast (1/4-ounce package)
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• ¼ cup (57g) butter, melted (salted or unsalted)
• 3 cups (360g) bread flour, plus extra for dusting
• ¾ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ⅔ cup (142g) dark brown sugar (light brown sugar works as well)
• 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (57g) butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz (112g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• ¾ cup (85g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • Warm the milk to about 110°F by microwaving it for 40-45 seconds—aim for the warmth of bathwater. Pour the warm milk into the bowl of an electric mixer, sprinkle yeast on top, and stir in sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter until well combined.
   • Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
   • Attach the dough hook to your mixer and knead the dough on medium speed for about 8 minutes. The dough should form a smooth ball and be slightly sticky. If it’s too sticky, add 2 tablespoons of flour.
   • Alternatively, you can knead by hand on a well-floured surface for 8-10 minutes.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
   • Transfer the dough to a well-oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and then place a warm towel over it. Let the dough rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 14×9 inch rectangle.
   • Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a ¼-inch border along the far edge.
   • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon, then evenly sprinkle the mixture over the buttered dough. Rub it into the butter.
4. Shape the Rolls:
   • Starting from the 9-inch side, tightly roll up the dough and seal the edge. Trim off the uneven ends to ensure a uniform filling throughout.
   • Using a serrated knife or dental floss, cut the roll into 9 even sections, each about 1 inch wide.
5. Second Rise:
   • Place the cinnamon rolls into a greased 9×9-inch or round 9-inch cake pan (lining with parchment paper helps with cleanup).
   • Cover the pan with plastic wrap and a towel, allowing the rolls to rise for another 30-45 minutes.
6. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
   • Remove the plastic wrap and towel and bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. You want them slightly underbaked to keep them soft and gooey in the center.
   • Let the rolls cool for 5-10 minutes before frosting.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
   • In a bowl of an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
   • Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth softness: These cinnamon rolls stay soft and gooey in the middle while being lightly crisped on the edges.
• Perfectly spiced: The cinnamon filling paired with rich cream cheese frosting offers a flavor balance that’s out of this world.
• Great for all occasions: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of the day.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice levels to suit your preferences.

Tips

• Ideal Yeast Temperature: Make sure the milk is not too hot or too cold when activating the yeast—110°F is the sweet spot.
• Avoid Overworking the Dough: While kneading, be sure not to overwork the dough; it should be soft and elastic.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just take it out in the morning, let it warm up, and proceed with the second rise and baking.
• Check the Doneness: These rolls should be just slightly golden around the edges to ensure they remain soft and gooey in the center.

Variations and Substitutions

• Sugar Swap: Feel free to use light brown sugar or even coconut sugar for a slightly different taste in the filling.
• Dough Alternatives: If you’re looking for a dairy-free or egg-free option, there are substitutions available for butter and eggs, but the texture may vary.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a crunchy contrast.
• Frosting Variations: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy butter.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls after the second rise. Just place them in the freezer, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of baking time.

Q: Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes. It will take a bit more effort, but the results will be just as delicious.

Q: How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back their softness.

Serving

• Perfect for Brunch: Serve these cinnamon rolls with a side of fresh fruit or a hot cup of coffee for a decadent brunch.
• Pair with a Beverage: Complement the sweet, spiced rolls with a hot latte, iced coffee, or a warm mug of tea.
• Indulgent Dessert: They make an excellent after-dinner treat, especially when served with extra frosting.

Suggestions

• Meal Prep: Double the batch and freeze one pan for a future lazy morning breakfast.
• Top with Extras: Add extra toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel for a unique twist.
• Perfect for Sharing: These rolls are great for gatherings and family events, sure to impress everyone with their homemade charm.