Perfect Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. Soft, fluffy dough, swirled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with creamy icing, makes these rolls a classic favorite for breakfast or dessert. Making perfect homemade cinnamon rolls is easier than you might think, and the results are irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
• 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (optional, for desired consistency)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
2. Set aside the softened butter for spreading.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

1. Roll the risen dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
2. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

1. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log.
2. Cut into 12 equal slices.
3. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.

Step 5: Second Rise

1. Cover and let rolls rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
3. Remove and let cool slightly.

Step 7: Prepare the Icing

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
3. Add milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
4. Spread icing over warm rolls.

Step 8: Serve

1. Enjoy warm for the softest, gooey cinnamon rolls.
2. Pair with coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast treat.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

• Use fresh yeast for better rise.
• Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast properly.
• Drizzle icing over rolls while warm for extra gooey sweetness.

These perfect homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and full of cinnamon-sugar goodness, making them an irresistible treat for family and friends.