These Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate treat for any occasion! Soft and fluffy, with a sweet cinnamon filling and luscious cream cheese frosting, they are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy gathering. Their irresistible aroma fills your kitchen as they bake, making them an instant favorite for family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip these up even if you’re new to baking.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm cinnamon and rich cream cheese frosting creates a delightful taste experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a holiday celebration, these rolls are sure to impress.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or warmed up later; they stay tasty for days!
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Serrated knife or dental floss

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine ingredients without spilling.
• Stand mixer: Makes kneading the dough effortless; ideal if you want to save time and energy.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll the dough evenly into the desired shape for perfect cinnamon rolls.

this recipe

Ingredients

These homemade cinnamon rolls are the absolute best! Made with a soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and gooey cream cheese frosting, they are the perfect treat!

For the Dough

• 3-3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg (plus enough milk to make 1 cup)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling

• 1/4 cup butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sugar (mixed with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon)

For the Frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 5 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix and knead all dough ingredients together until a soft, smooth dough forms.
2. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. Using your oven with the light on works great!

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

1. Lightly grease your work surface.
2. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 10-by-16 inches.
3. Spread room-temperature butter over the dough except for 1 inch at one edge.
4. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over the buttered surface.

Step 3: Shape and Cut Rolls

1. Starting from the edge closest to you, roll the dough into a tight log.
2. Pinch the seam to seal it securely.
3. Cut the log in half using a serrated knife or dental floss, then slice each half into 6 pieces.
4. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch pan and press them down slightly. Cover and let rise again for 45-90 minutes until puffy.

Step 4: Bake Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together for about 1 minute until light and fluffy.
2. Spread generously over warm cinnamon rolls.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon rolls! Remember that because of the frosting’s dairy content, any leftovers should be refrigerated. They will keep well for about 5 days in the fridge.

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 135 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American

How to Serve Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

These homemade cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Bananas: Sliced bananas add natural sweetness and creaminess to your cinnamon rolls.

With Coffee or Tea

• Coffee: Pairing these rolls with a hot cup of coffee creates a delightful breakfast or snack moment.
• Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea can complement the sweet flavors of the rolls beautifully.

Topped with Nuts

• Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Walnuts: Walnuts provide a rich texture and enhance the overall taste of the cinnamon rolls.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates a warm and cold dessert experience.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: For extra flavor, serve with cinnamon-flavored ice cream.

How to Perfect Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your homemade cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Bold Choice of Flour: Use high-quality all-purpose flour for the best texture and rise.
• Bold Temperature Control: Make sure your rising area is warm; this helps the dough rise properly.
• Bold Timing Matters: Allow enough time for both rises; don’t rush this step for fluffy rolls.
• Bold Rolling Technique: Roll the dough tightly to maintain shape while baking and achieve that perfect swirl.
• Bold Frosting Application: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously while the rolls are still warm for easy melting.

Best Side Dishes for Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with your homemade cinnamon rolls elevates your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to balance the sweetness.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit offers a creamy contrast to the soft rolls.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide protein and a savory element alongside sweet rolls.
4. Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie topped with nuts and seeds makes for a nutritious addition.
5. Breakfast Sausage: Turkey sausage links add heartiness without overpowering the sweet flavors of the cinnamon rolls.
6. Oatmeal: A bowl of oatmeal topped with honey or maple syrup can complement the cinnamon flavors nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience if you avoid a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind:

• Over-kneading the dough: Kneading too long can make the rolls tough. Aim for a soft, elastic texture instead of a hard dough.
• Not letting the dough rise enough: Skipping the second rise will lead to dense rolls. Allowing the dough to double in size is crucial for fluffiness.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can affect how well your dough rises. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.
• Inconsistent cinnamon sugar mixture: A poorly mixed cinnamon sugar can lead to uneven flavor. Ensure that your cinnamon and sugar are thoroughly blended before sprinkling.
• Skipping the frosting: The cream cheese frosting is essential for adding sweetness and creaminess. Don’t skip this step for the full flavor experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will last for about 5 days.

Freezing Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the rolls for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet with a lid, adding a splash of water to create steam for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls:

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls, let them rise, then refrigerate them before baking. Just allow extra time for rising after taking them out of the fridge.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in frosting?

You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt as alternatives if you want different flavors or textures.

How do I know when my cinnamon rolls are done baking?

The tops should be golden brown, and you can check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.

What other flavors can I add to Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls?

Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips into the filling for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

These Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert and offer endless customization options! Whether you choose to add nuts or experiment with different frostings, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. Try making these delightful treats at home and enjoy their warm, gooey goodness!

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Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm, gooey goodness of the Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. These delightful rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet cinnamon mixture, all topped off with a creamy frosting that takes them to the next level. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or special gatherings, their heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen and make you the star of any brunch. With easy steps that even novice bakers can follow, you’ll create irresistible treats that everyone will love. Customize them with nuts or dried fruits for added flavor and texture, or enjoy them simply as they are. Whether fresh from the oven or warmed up later, these cinnamon rolls will be a favorite for days.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg (plus enough milk to make 1 cup)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sugar (mixed with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 5 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, salt, egg, milk (to make 1 cup), melted butter, and vanilla. Knead until smooth.
2. Let the dough rise in a greased bowl covered for 1-2 hours until doubled.
3. Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread butter over it. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
4. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 pieces. Place in a greased baking pan and let rise again.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
6. For frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy; spread over warm rolls.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for best results. For variations, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the filling. Serve with fresh fruit or coffee for an enhanced experience.