Print

Homemade Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls

cinnamon rolls

Wake up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Homemade Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls! Soft, pillowy dough swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting—these rolls are perfect for cozy mornings, weekend brunches, and holiday gatherings. Ready in just over an hour, they offer bakery-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Dough:
    • 4 cups all-purpose flour
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup warm milk (110°F-115°F)
    • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 2 large eggs, room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Cinnamon Filling:
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
    • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
    • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Pinch of salt
    • 12 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Warm milk to 110°F-115°F. Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix, then gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the Filling & Shape Rolls: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Roll dough into an 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread butter evenly, sprinkle filling, and roll tightly. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
  5. Second Rise: Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise 45-60 minutes until rolls are touching.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 190°F. Cool slightly before frosting.
  7. Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Adjust consistency with milk. Spread over warm rolls.

Notes

For extra gooey rolls, pour ½ cup heavy cream over rolls before baking. Prep rolls the night before for an effortless morning bake. Store leftovers at room temp (2 days), in the fridge (1 week), or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastries, fluffy cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting