Soft, gooey, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor, these homemade cinnamon rolls are a treat worth waking up for. Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast, a special holiday morning, or a sweet afternoon indulgence, nothing compares to the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. Made entirely from scratch with a rich, tender dough, a buttery cinnamon sugar swirl, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, this recipe is everything you love about bakery-style cinnamon rolls—right at home.

Unlike store-bought or canned versions, these cinnamon rolls are deeply satisfying. The dough is enriched with milk, butter, and egg, giving it a soft, pillowy texture that holds up beautifully to the generous cinnamon filling. The brown sugar and cinnamon blend melts into the layers during baking, creating that signature gooey center that makes cinnamon rolls irresistible. And the frosting? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, thanks to cream cheese, butter, and vanilla.

You don’t need to be an expert baker to make these rolls, either. With instant yeast and step-by-step guidance, you’ll find this recipe surprisingly approachable. The result is a batch of warm, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls that just might become your new favorite breakfast tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bakery-Style Results at Home: These rolls are soft, fluffy, and generously frosted—just like your favorite bakery version.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for holiday mornings, brunches, or anytime you want to impress guests.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep them the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the filling or frosting to suit your personal taste.
No Stand Mixer Required: The dough is easy to mix and knead by hand, making this recipe accessible for all skill levels.

Ingredients

For the Dough

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Rapid Rise Instant Yeast
Salt
Milk
Unsalted butter
Egg

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Light brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Butter

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese
Unsalted butter
Powdered sugar
Milk
Vanilla extract
Salt

Variations

Nutty Crunch

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.

Glaze Instead of Frosting

Swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer a lighter topping.

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist.

Orange Zest

Mix orange zest into the frosting for a citrusy brightness.

Vegan Adaptation

Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

Step 2

In a saucepan, warm the milk and butter together until the butter melts. Let it cool slightly, then whisk in the egg.

Step 3

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 4

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 5

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Step 6

Roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 7

Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and slice into 12 even rolls. Place in a greased baking dish.

Step 8

Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 9

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 10

While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese and butter together. Add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.

Step 11

Frost the warm rolls generously and serve.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and proper dough rising.
Don’t overheat the milk—lukewarm is perfect for activating the yeast without killing it.
Slice the rolls with dental floss or a sharp knife for clean cuts.
Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting to avoid melting the icing completely.
If the tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil during baking.

How to Serve

Serve these cinnamon rolls warm with an extra drizzle of cream cheese frosting on top. Pair with hot coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. They’re perfect as a breakfast centerpiece or a sweet afternoon treat. For a brunch spread, serve alongside eggs, fresh fruit, and savory dishes for balance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze baked, unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before frosting and serving.

Reheating

Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a low oven until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight and bake in the morning after bringing them to room temperature.

2. What if I only have active dry yeast?

You can use it, but it needs to be activated in warm milk before adding to the dry ingredients.

3. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, freeze the shaped rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw and rise before baking.

4. How do I prevent the rolls from becoming dry?

Avoid overbaking and store them in a sealed container to retain moisture.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

6. Why didn’t my rolls rise?

Your yeast may be expired or the milk may have been too hot and killed the yeast.

7. How do I make them extra gooey?

Spread more softened butter and brown sugar in the filling or pour a little heavy cream over the rolls before baking.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use two baking dishes or a large sheet pan.

9. What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

Use mascarpone or a basic buttercream if preferred.

10. Can I bake these in a muffin tin?

Yes, this makes individual rolls with slightly crispier edges.

Conclusion

These homemade cinnamon rolls are the definition of comfort baking—soft, fluffy, and filled with warm cinnamon sugar, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Whether for a holiday brunch or a slow Sunday morning, they bring warmth, joy, and just the right amount of indulgence. With a simple ingredient list and flexible options, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.