The BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe

I still remember the first time I truly understood the power of a warm, gooey cinnamon roll. It was a crisp autumn Saturday, and the whole house felt a bit sleepy. I decided that a baking project was in order, but not just any project.

I was on a mission to find The BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe. For years, I had tried recipes that were too dry, too dense, or had a filling that just melted away. But that morning, after a bit of experimenting, I pulled a pan from the oven that changed everything.

The aroma of warm cinnamon and sweet dough filled every corner of our home. The rolls were unbelievably soft, with a rich, buttery filling spiraling through every bite, all topped with a dreamy cream cheese icing. That experience is why I’m so excited to share this with you.

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s the key to creating those perfect, memory-making moments. After countless tests and tweaks, I can confidently say this is The BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe you will ever make. It’s the ultimate guide to creating the best homemade cinnamon rolls that are both foolproof and absolutely unforgettable. Get ready to make your kitchen smell like heaven with this fluffy cinnamon roll recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Amazing Cinnamon Roll Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for The BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe. First and foremost, the texture is absolutely divine. We’re talking supremely soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls that melt in your mouth.

Unlike store-bought versions that can be dry, these homemade cinnamon rolls are incredibly moist and tender, thanks to a rich, enriched dough. Furthermore, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward. I’ve broken down every step to ensure that even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results.

The filling is also perfectly balanced; it’s a generous swirl of buttery, brown sugar and cinnamon goodness that doesn’t leak out during baking. Finally, the tangy cream cheese icing is the perfect finishing touch, cutting through the sweetness and adding a luxurious creaminess. This is truly The BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe because it delivers consistent, spectacular results every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these perfect homemade cinnamon rolls, we’ll use simple pantry staples. Here’s exactly what you need to gather.

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz (113g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk, as needed

Substitutions & Variations

While I truly believe this is the best cinnamon roll recipe as written, you can certainly customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for a warmer, more complex flavor.
• Add a Crunch: Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling up the dough.
• Fruit-Filled: Add finely chopped apples or raisins to the filling for a classic combination.
• Brown Butter Icing: For a nuttier, richer icing, brown the butter in a saucepan before mixing it with the other icing ingredients. This simple step elevates the best cinnamon rolls to another level.
• Different Yeast: You can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. If you do, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps carefully to create this fluffy cinnamon roll recipe. It’s a process, but every step is worth the delicious result of The BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe.

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. First, warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). It should feel like a warm bath, not hot. Pour the warm milk into the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle the yeast and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar over the milk. Gently stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
2. Next, attach the dough hook to your mixer. Add the remaining sugar, the melted butter, egg, and egg yolk to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Increase the mixer speed to medium-low and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and pull away from the sides of the bowl. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.

2. Let the Dough Rise:

1. Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray. Form the dough into a ball and place it in the bowl, turning it once to coat.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

1. While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined into a thick paste.
2. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
3. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 18×12 inches.
4. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small ½-inch border along one of the long edges.
5. Starting from the long edge opposite the clean border, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
6. Using a sharp knife or unscented dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. This process is key for perfect homemade cinnamon rolls.

4. The Second Rise & Baking:

1. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, until they look puffy.
2. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Once risen, bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake to ensure they stay soft. Following these steps is essential for The BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe.

5. Prepare the Icing:

1. While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese icing. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Let the cinnamon rolls cool for about 5-10 minutes before spreading the icing over them generously. This allows the icing to melt slightly into all the crevices.

Pro Tips for Success

To guarantee you make The BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe every time, keep these essential tips in mind.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the dough and icing, using room temperature ingredients (especially the egg and butter) helps everything combine more smoothly for a better texture.
• Don’t Overheat the Milk: Milk that is too hot (above 115°F) can kill the yeast, meaning your dough won’t rise. Use a thermometer if you’re unsure!
• Use Dental Floss for Clean Cuts: For perfectly clean cuts without squishing your rolls, slide a piece of unflavored dental floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull. It works like a charm for these perfect cinnamon rolls.
• Don’t Over-Bake: The key to soft, gooey rolls is to pull them from the oven when they are just lightly golden. They will continue to cook a bit in the hot pan. Over-baking is the number one cause of dry rolls.
• Let Them Rise Properly: Be patient with the rising times. A warm, humid spot (like a slightly warm, turned-off oven) is the perfect environment. This step is crucial for achieving the best homemade cinnamon rolls.

Storage & Reheating Tips

While these rolls are best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly store them for later. To keep your best cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat, simply place a roll on a plate and microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and soft again. The icing will melt into a delicious glaze, making them taste almost freshly baked.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These homemade cinnamon rolls are a spectacular treat all on their own. However, they pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a cold glass of milk, or a simple chai latte. For a more complete brunch, serve them alongside some fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a savory breakfast casserole to balance the sweetness. A side of crispy beef bacon would also be a fantastic complement.

FAQs

Can I prepare these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of the best features of this amazing cinnamon roll recipe. You can prepare the rolls up to the point of placing them in the baking pan.

Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (up to 18 hours). The next morning, remove them from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour to finish rising before baking as directed. This makes the best cinnamon roll recipe for holiday mornings!

Why didn’t my dough rise?

There are a few common culprits if your homemade cinnamon rolls dough doesn’t rise. First, your yeast may have been expired or “dead.” Always check the expiration date. Second, your milk may have been too hot, which kills the yeast.

Lastly, the room you let the dough rise in might have been too cold. Yeast loves a warm, cozy environment to do its work.

Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can! It just requires a bit more elbow grease. You can mix the dough with a wooden spoon in a large bowl and then knead it by hand on a floured surface for about 10-15 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. This is a great way to connect with the process of making the best cinnamon rolls from scratch.

How do I get extra soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls?

The secret to soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls lies in a few key things: using enriched dough (with egg and butter), not adding too much flour, and being careful not to over-bake. Following this recipe precisely will give you that signature soft texture that makes this The BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe.

Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?

Yes! You can freeze them baked or unbaked. To freeze unbaked rolls, prepare them up to the second rise, place them in a freezer-safe pan, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then let them rise at room temperature before baking. To freeze baked rolls, let them cool completely (iced or un-iced), wrap them tightly, and freeze. Thaw at room temperature and reheat as desired for perfect cinnamon rolls anytime.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Disclaimer: The following nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.

The BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe

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• Author: Julia
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 mins
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

The ultimate recipe for soft, fluffy, and gooey homemade cinnamon rolls topped with a rich cream cheese icing. This is truly the best cinnamon roll recipe you will ever make!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

 

• 4 oz (113g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk, as needed

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: Warm the milk and sprinkle yeast and 1 tsp sugar, let sit until foamy. Mix with sugar, melted butter, egg, and yolk. Gradually add flour and salt, kneading until smooth
2. Let the dough rise: Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 to 1.5 hours
3. Assemble the rolls: Punch down the dough, roll into a rectangle, spread filling, roll up tightly, cut into 12 rolls, and place in a greased pa
4. The second rise & baking: Cover and let rise until puffy, bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golde
5. Prepare the icing: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mix in milk to desired consistency, then spread over rolls

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Microwave for 20-30 seconds to reheat.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 42g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 70mg