cinnamon rolls – they’re everything you want in a sweet breakfast or treat. soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with the creamiest frosting. honestly, is there anything better than pulling apart a warm cinnamon roll and biting into that gooey goodness? this recipe is a little bit of magic, especially when it’s fresh out of the oven. i love how the dough rises to perfection, creating those soft layers that you just want to dive into. with the added sweetness of the cream cheese frosting, it’s like a warm hug in dessert form. these cinnamon rolls are a must-make for your next weekend treat, or any time you’re craving something indulgent and comforting ♥

𖦁 the ingredients:

before you start baking, let’s go over everything you’ll need. each ingredient helps create that perfect texture and flavor, so be sure to measure carefully!

for the dough:

• all-purpose flour: this is your base for the dough. make sure to measure correctly so the dough doesn’t end up too dense.

• granulated sugar: gives the dough just the right sweetness without overpowering.

• instant yeast: we’re using rapid rise yeast here, so the dough will rise quickly. it’s what gives these rolls that perfect fluff.

• salt: a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

• milk: warm milk helps activate the yeast, making the dough rise perfectly.

• butter: butter adds richness and helps the dough stay soft.

• egg: the egg binds everything together, giving the dough its structure and texture.

for the cinnamon sugar filling:

• butter: softened butter to spread evenly on the dough and give the cinnamon sugar something to stick to.

• light brown sugar: brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the cinnamon rolls.

• ground cinnamon: the star of the filling – that spicy, sweet kick we all love.

• pinch of salt: brings out the sweetness and adds depth to the filling.

for the cream cheese frosting:

• cream cheese: room temperature cream cheese makes the frosting smooth and creamy, with just the right tang.

• unsalted butter: softened butter is essential for the creamy texture of the frosting.

• powdered sugar: this is what gives the frosting that perfect sweetness and texture.

• milk: a little milk helps make the frosting smooth and spreadable.

• vanilla extract: the vanilla adds a hint of flavor to complement the tang of the cream cheese.

• pinch of salt: a little salt balances the sweetness of the frosting.

𖦁 how to make cinnamon rolls:

these rolls take a bit of time, but trust me, they’re so worth it. the process of watching the dough rise and transform into fluffy rolls is part of the fun! once they’re baked and frosted, you’ll be in heaven with every bite.

step 1: make the dough

• in a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, yeast, salt, and sugar until combined. this will form the base of the dough.

step 2: warm the milk and butter

• in a microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk and butter together for about 30 seconds, just until it’s warm – not hot! this warmth helps activate the yeast.

step 3: combine the wet and dry ingredients

• add the warm milk-butter mixture to the flour mixture, followed by the egg. beat on low speed, gradually increasing to high speed, for about 2 minutes. this gives the dough structure.

step 4: add the remaining flour

• add another cup of flour, then slowly add the last cup until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a soft, tacky dough.

step 5: knead the dough

• turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic (it should stretch without breaking!).

step 6: let the dough rise

• place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size. you want that dough to puff up!

step 7: make the cinnamon sugar filling

• while the dough rises, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. this filling is what gives the rolls their sweet and spicy flavor.

step 8: roll out the dough

• once the dough is ready, punch it down and roll it into a long rectangle (about 18x12 inches) on a floured surface. spread the softened butter for the filling over the dough, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter. press down gently to ensure the filling sticks.

step 9: shape the rolls

• roll the dough up from the long side, sealing the edge by pinching it together. use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut the dough into 12 even rolls. place them in a lined 9x13-inch pan, leaving a little space between each roll.

step 10: second rise

• cover the rolls loosely with a dish cloth and let them rise for another hour until puffy and doubled in size.

step 11: bake the rolls

• preheat your oven to 350°f (175°c) and bake the rolls for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. they should be puffed and perfectly baked.

step 12: make the frosting

• while the rolls cool, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until fluffy. you want the frosting to be creamy and spreadable, not too thick.

step 13: frost the rolls

• spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. the frosting will melt slightly into the rolls, making them extra indulgent.

𖦁 tips for perfect cinnamon rolls:

• don’t skip the rise time: the dough needs time to rise for that perfect fluffy texture. be patient!

• use dental floss for perfect slices: it makes cutting the rolls clean and even without squishing them.

• warm milk is key: make sure your milk is warm but not hot when you add it to the dough. this helps activate the yeast.

• frost while warm: spreading frosting over warm rolls makes the frosting melt in all the best ways.

𖦁 can i freeze the dough?

yes! you can freeze the dough after the first rise. shape the rolls, place them in a greased pan, and freeze before the second rise. once frozen, cover tightly and store for up to 3 months. when you’re ready to bake, let them rise in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual.

𖦁 tools i used:

• 9x13-inch pan 🧁

• rolling pin 🎀

• dough cutter 🌸

• mixing bowls 🩰

• measuring cups & spoons 💗

you can check out my amazon storefront for more of my favorite baking tools – and thank you for supporting me as always! ♥

ingredients:

for the dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) rapid rise instant yeast

• 1 tsp salt

• 6 tbsp butter

• 1 1/2 cups milk

• 1 egg, room temp

for the cinnamon sugar filling

• 1/4 cup butter, room temp

• 2/3 cup light brown sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• pinch of salt

for the cream cheese frosting

• 2 oz cream cheese, room temp

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temp

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• pinch of salt

instructions:

1. in a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, yeast, salt, and sugar until combined.

2. in a microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk and butter for 30 seconds until warm (not hot!).

3. add the warm milk-butter mixture to the flour mixture, followed by the egg. beat on low speed, increasing to high for 2 minutes.

4. add another cup of flour, then slowly add the last cup until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

5. knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

6. place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

7. mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pinch of salt for the filling.

8. roll out the dough into an 18x12-inch rectangle. spread the butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly.

9. roll up the dough and cut into 12 even rolls. place them in a lined 9x13-inch pan.

10. cover loosely with a dish cloth and let rise for another hour.

11. preheat the oven to 350°f (175°c) and bake the rolls for 30 minutes until golden brown.

12. make the frosting by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until fluffy.

13. spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!