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The best cinnamon rolls recipe 2026 04 11 140253 819x1024

The Best Cinnamon Rolls

Deliciously soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls topped with homemade cream cheese frosting, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 rolls
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk, heated to 110 degrees F
  • 2 + ¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter, divided
  • 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2-4 Tbsp. Adjust for stickiness

Cinnamon Filling

  • 6 Tbsp softened butter
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 Tbsp softened butter
  • 4 oz softened cream cheese
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions
 

Dough Preparation

  • In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup warm milk, 2 + 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast, 1 large egg, 1 Tbsp. melted butter, 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Whisk it together briefly.
  • Add in 3 cups of all-purpose flour and mix it in with a wooden spatula. If the dough is sticky, add in 1 Tbsp. of flour until it is easier to handle.
  • Knead the dough with your hands for about 3 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.

Cinnamon Filling

  • While the dough is rising, make the cinnamon filling by mixing together 6 Tbsp. softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon.

Rolling and Baking

  • After the dough has risen, lightly dust your work surface with flour and turn out the dough onto the surface. Roll the dough into a 17 x 10 rectangle.
  • Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough and then roll it up lengthwise. Use dental floss to cut the roll into 8 pieces.
  • Place the rolls in a 9x13 pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for another 30 minutes.
  • Once they have risen, brush the rolls with the remaining 1 Tbsp. melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
  • Let the rolls cool for about 15 minutes.

Frosting

  • While the rolls are cooling, make the frosting by beating together 4 Tbsp. softened butter, 4 oz. softened cream cheese, and 2 tsp. vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl with a hand mixer. Slowly add in 1 cup of powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
  • Spread the frosting over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!

Notes

Serve these cinnamon rolls warm, perfect on their own or with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. For storage, keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keyword Cinnamon Rolls, Comfort Food, Frosting, Homemade Pastry, Sweet Baked Goods