Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and absolutely loaded with cinnamon sugar filling. Topped with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting, they're perfect for weekend brunches or special breakfast treats.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- For the Filling:
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead 5 minutes until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- Make filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
- Assemble: Roll dough into an 18x14 inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Starting from the long side, roll dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife.
- Place rolls in a greased 9x13 inch pan. Cover and let rise 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 22-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until fluffy.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Chef's Tips
- For overnight rolls, refrigerate after step 7 and bake in the morning
- Use unflavored dental floss to cut clean slices
- Add chopped pecans to the filling for variety
- Frost while still warm so it melts slightly into the rolls