homemade cinnamon rolls

Here’s a classic, bakery-style Homemade Cinnamon Rolls recipe — soft, fluffy, gooey, and topped with luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for weekends, holidays, or anytime you need a sweet comfort bake.

🌀 Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (With Cream Cheese Frosting)

🍽️ Makes: 12 rolls

⏱️ Time:

• Prep: 30 min

• Rising: 2 hrs (or overnight)

• Baking: 20–25 min

🧾 Dough Ingredients:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (not hot, ~110°F / 43°C)

• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast

• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

🧾 Filling:

• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed

• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup (60g) butter, softened

🧾 Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup (60g) butter, softened

• 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

🔹 1. Make the Dough:

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy (if using active dry yeast).

2. Add softened butter, eggs, salt, and flour.

3. Mix and knead (by hand or dough hook) until smooth and slightly sticky — about 8 minutes.

💡 The dough should pull away from the bowl but still feel soft. Add a tablespoon of flour if too sticky.

🔹 2. First Rise:

• Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl.

• Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled — about 1 to 1.5 hours.

🔹 3. Prepare the Filling:

• Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.

• Have softened butter ready to spread.

🔹 4. Roll & Fill:

1. Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 16×12 inches (40×30 cm).

2. Spread with butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly.

3. Roll up tightly from the long side, then cut into 12 equal pieces.

🧵 Tip: Use unflavored dental floss to cut cleanly!

🔹 5. Second Rise:

• Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan.

• Cover and let rise again until puffy, about 30–45 minutes.

Or cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temp before baking.

🔹 6. Bake:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

🔹 7. Make Frosting:

• Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

• Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.

🔹 8. Frost and Serve:

• Spread frosting over warm rolls (for gooey melt) or cooled rolls (for a thicker layer).

• Serve warm!

🔁 Variations:

• Add chopped pecans or raisins to the filling.

• Add a touch of cardamom for a Scandi twist.

• For a lighter version: use a simple glaze of powdered sugar + milk