Few things compare to the sweet, fragrant aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as a mid-day snack, or for a special occasion, cinnamon rolls are a classic treat that never fails to impress. This cinnamon roll recipe will guide you through creating fluffy, gooey rolls with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and a rich cream cheese glaze. With just a few steps, you can make bakery-quality cinnamon rolls right at home.

Why Cinnamon Roll Recipe?

There’s something extra special about the homemade cinnamon roll recipe. While store-bought versions can be convenient, they don’t offer the same fresh, melt-in-your-mouth texture or customizable flavor. Making them from scratch ensures:

• Freshness: Nothing beats the taste and texture of rolls fresh from the oven.
• Customization: You can tweak ingredients, add extra toppings, or adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• Quality Ingredients: Control what goes into your food, using wholesome ingredients for the best flavor.

Ingredients

For this cinnamon roll recipe, you’ll need two sets of ingredients: one for the dough and one for the filling and glaze.

Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (for thinning, if needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Activate the Yeast:
Begin by pouring the warm milk into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and add the sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast has been activated and is ready to work its magic in the dough.

Mix the Dough:
Once the yeast is ready, add the beaten egg, melted butter, and salt to the bowl. Gradually mix in the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step, or mix by hand with a wooden spoon.

Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Soften the butter so it’s easy to spread over the rolled-out dough later.

3. Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.

Spread the Filling:
Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the butter, making sure to cover the entire surface.

4. Roll and Cut the Dough

Roll Up the Dough:
Starting from the long side of the dough, roll it up tightly to form a log. Pinch the edges to seal the roll.

Slice the Rolls:
Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place the slices cut-side up into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them evenly.

5. Let the Rolls Rise

Second Rise:
Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up significantly. This second rise ensures the cinnamon rolls are soft and fluffy.

6. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are finishing their second rise.

Bake:
Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. Be careful not to over-bake, as this will make the rolls dry. You want them to be soft and slightly underdone in the center.

7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

Make the Glaze:
While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to achieve a pourable consistency.

8. Glaze and Serve

Glaze the Rolls:
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5-10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt into the crevices.

Serve:
Serve the cinnamon rolls warm, with extra glaze if desired. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want a sweet treat!

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Recipe

• Warm Environment: Yeast loves warmth. If your kitchen is too cool, place the dough in the oven with the light on (but the oven off) to help it rise faster.
• Use Dental Floss for Cutting: For cleaner cuts, use unflavored dental floss to slice the dough. Place the floss under the roll, cross it over the top, and pull it tight to slice through.
• Overnight Option: If you want to prepare the rolls in advance, you can let the shaped rolls rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, take them out and let them come to room temperature before baking.

Nutritional Information

Each cinnamon roll (without the glaze) contains approximately:

• Calories: 300
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 5g

While cinnamon rolls are certainly an indulgent treat, making them at home allows you to control the ingredients and portion size.

This cinnamon roll recipe is perfect for anyone looking to bake a classic, homemade treat. The soft dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze make these rolls irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion, they’re sure to be a hit. Plus, with a little practice, you’ll find they’re easier to make than you might think. Enjoy the process of baking, and savor every bite of these delicious, homemade cinnamon rolls!