Description
This recipe for the Best Cinnamon Rolls delivers soft, fluffy, and fragrant rolls filled with a classic cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert, these delicious homemade rolls are easy to prepare with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 cup milk (heated to 110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 6 Tbsp butter (divided, with 1 Tbsp melted for dough)
- 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus additional for dusting)
Filling
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- Remaining 5 Tbsp butter (softened)
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Remaining butter from the 6 Tbsp (used in frosting: approximately 1 Tbsp)
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk (at 110°F), active dry yeast, large egg, melted butter (1 Tbsp), granulated sugar, and salt. Mix briefly until ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough becomes smooth but not sticky. Knead the dough for about three minutes until elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm area for one hour, allowing it to double in size.
- Prepare Filling: While the dough is rising, blend the softened butter (approximately 5 Tbsp), brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon filling.
- Shape Rolls: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly into a log shape and slice into eight pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife for clean cuts.
- Second Rise: Place the cinnamon roll slices into a greased baking pan. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until puffed up.
- Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Make Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, remaining butter (approximately 1 Tbsp), vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and frost them while still warm with the cream cheese frosting. Serve immediately for the best taste.
Notes
- Ensure milk is at the correct temperature (110°F) before adding yeast to activate it properly.
- Use dental floss for slicing rolls to maintain their shape without compressing them.
- For softer rolls, do not over-bake—watch them closely toward the end of bake time.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting if you prefer thicker frosting consistency.
- The recipe yields 8 cinnamon rolls, perfect for sharing or enjoying over a few days.
