Description
Nothing compares to the smell of warm cinnamon rolls wafting from the oven. These Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast ideas, a cozy weekend brunch, or sweet snack cravings, this easy recipe delivers comfort in every bite. If you’re looking for easy food ideas that feel indulgent but are achievable, this is your go-to. Ideal as a quick breakfast treat (with a little planning), they’re also fantastic for holiday mornings, gatherings, or just because you deserve something special.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose or bread flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
1 cup brown sugar (for filling)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
Optional: 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for crumble topping)
Instructions
1. Warm the milk until it’s around 100–110°F and add yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Stir in the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour until dough forms.
3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until dough is smooth.
4. Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Mix the filling: softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
6. Roll out the dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly.
7. Roll the dough into a log and cut into 12 rolls.
8. Place in a greased 9×13 pan and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
10. Make the glaze: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
11. Spread glaze over warm rolls. Sprinkle with crumble topping if using.
12. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Make sure your yeast is active — it should foam up in the milk before using.
For perfectly shaped rolls, use unflavored dental floss to slice cleanly.
If making ahead, refrigerate overnight after shaping and bake the next morning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg