Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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Soft, fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a tasty cream cheese icing. This easy beginner yeast rolls recipe is perfect for a cozy morning treat.

These homemade cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet snack, making them versatile and universally loved. They also bring a touch of warmth and hominess to any occasion, whether it’s a quiet weekend morning or a festive holiday brunch on Christmas morning.

Why I love this recipe

• these fluffy cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy mornings
• the smell of cinnamon rolls baking is unbeatable
• there’s something incredibly satisfying about making them from scratch
• great for family gatherings or sharing with friends
• uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have

Can’t resist the aroma of cinnamon? Try our Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread and Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake.

Ingredients

For the Rolls:

• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• salt
• instant active dry yeast
• milk
• unsalted butter (softened and melted)
• egg
• brown sugar
• ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• powdered sugar
• Philadelphia cream cheese
• vanilla extract

Step by step

1. In a small saucepan, mix the milk, yeast, and sugar. Heat until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat.
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer (affiliate link), combine the flour and salt. Mix well. Add the egg and pour in the warm milk mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the cinnamon roll dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out with a rolling pin into a rectangle shape, about ¼ inch thick.
2. Sprinkle the filling evenly over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal.
4. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 9 or 12 equal-sized pieces.
5. Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
4. Drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.

Variations

• add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy texture
• mix finely chopped apples with the cinnamon sugar filling
• swap the vanilla extract in the glaze for orange zest and juice
• add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the glaze for an extra indulgence

Serving suggestions

For a full breakfast or brunch spread, you can serve these gooey cinnamon rolls alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, fried green tomatoes, or a savory dish like bacon or sausage.

You can pair this recipe with a glass of coffee dessert or a cold glass of milk. They also make a lovely addition to a holiday brunch or special occasion breakfast.

Storage

Store leftover homemade cinnamon rolls in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

If you want to freeze them, wrap each roll individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

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