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+ servings

The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword The Best Cinnamon Rolls!
Servings 8
Soft, fluffy, gooey cinnamon rolls topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for brunch, holidays or any treat you deserve.

Ingredients

For the Rolls:

  • 1 cup milk heated to 110°F
  • tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 large room temperature egg
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter divided
  • 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 cups all‑purpose flour plus extra 2‑4 Tbsp if needed

For the Filling:

  • 6 Tbsp softened butter
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 Tbsp softened butter
  • 4 oz softened cream cheese
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Proof Dough

  • In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, egg, 1 Tbsp melted butter, sugar, and salt. Whisk gently together. Add 3 cups flour and mix with a wooden spatula. If the dough is sticky, gradually add 1‑2 more tablespoons flour until it’s workable. Knead by hand about 3 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until puffy.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

  • While dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth and spreadable.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

  • Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a rectangle about 17 × 10 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. From one long edge, roll tightly into a log. Use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut into 8 equal rolls.

Step 4: Proof in Pan & Brush Butter

  • Place the rolls in a greased 9×13‑inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy. Before baking, brush with the remaining Tbsp melted butter.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

  • Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20‑25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool in the pan about 15 minutes.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Beat together softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy.

Step 7: Frost & Serve

  • Spread the frosting over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls so it melts into crevices. Serve warm and enjoy!