Soft, pillowy rolls swirled with cinnamon-sugar and finished with a creamy glaze—this is the kind of bake that makes your kitchen smell like a hug. Whether for brunch, dessert, or a sweet weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls are pure comfort.
Ingredients
For the Dough
Warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
1 cup
Active dry yeast
2¼ tsp (1 packet)
Granulated sugar
½ cup
Unsalted butter (melted)
⅓ cup
Eggs (room temperature)
2 large
All-purpose flour
4–4½ cups
Salt
1 tsp
For the Filling
Brown sugar (packed)
1 cup
Ground cinnamon
2½ tbsp
Unsalted butter (softened)
⅓ cup
For the Cream Cheese Icing
Cream cheese (softened)
4 oz
Unsalted butter (softened)
¼ cup
Powdered sugar
1½ cups
Vanilla extract
½ tsp
Milk
1–2 tbsp (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
Make the dough In a large bowl, stir together warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Mix in sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
Prepare the filling Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll out the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Shape the rolls Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces. Arrange rolls in a greased baking pan. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Bake Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the icing Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Add milk gradually until the icing is spreadable.
Finish & serve Spread icing over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls. Serve warm and enjoy every gooey bite.
Tips & Variations
Make ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate. Let rise at room temp before baking.
Add-ins: Sprinkle chopped pecans or raisins into the filling for extra texture.
Flavor twist: Add a pinch of cardamom or orange zest to the icing for a festive touch.