Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls the night before, then refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

Why didn’t my cinnamon rolls turn out fluffy?

If your rolls are dense, the yeast may not have been properly activated, or the dough didn’t rise long enough. Make sure your yeast is fresh and allow the dough to double in size before proceeding.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in equal amounts. Since instant yeast doesn’t require activation in warm liquid, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

How do I keep my cinnamon rolls soft after baking?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they start to dry out, warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds with a damp paper towel to restore moisture.

The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Name: The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk; 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 large egg, room temperature; 2 tablespoons melted butter, divided; 4 tablespoons granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2–4 tablespoons as needed; 6 tablespoons softened butter; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 4 tablespoons softened butter; 4 ounces softened cream cheese; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar

Description

Soft, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness, these homemade cinnamon rolls are perfect for a cozy breakfast or special occasion. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, they are beginner-friendly and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

1 cup warm milk
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 large egg, room temperature
2 tablespoons melted butter, divided
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2–4 tablespoons as needed

For the Filling

6 tablespoons softened butter
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

4 tablespoons softened butter
4 ounces softened cream cheese
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, mix the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, ensuring the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
Mix the dough: Add the egg, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture, whisking until combined. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, add extra flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 3 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until fully combined. This will create the perfect gooey swirl inside your rolls.
Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a 17×10-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
Shape the rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long side. Using dental floss or a sharp knife, cut the log into 8 equal rolls.
Second rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the rolls cool slightly before adding frosting.
Make the frosting: Beat together the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer. Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Frost and serve: Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

If you prefer extra gooey cinnamon rolls, double the filling recipe.
For a caramel-like flavor, replace brown sugar with dark brown sugar.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist.
To prevent overbaking, check the rolls at the 20-minute mark and cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
Calories: 450
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 50mg