Is there anything better than a warm cinnamon roll alongside your morning coffee? Answer: NO. Soft, flaky bread rolled with cinnamon, sugar, and butter, then topped with a rich cream cheese glaze—it’s everything a decadent breakfast (or dessert) should be.
This classic cinnamon rolls recipe is perfect for holidays, brunches, or any day you want a special treat. Bonus: it requires only one rise and one rest, and you can even prep it the night before for overnight cinnamon rolls.
🥣 Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
💡 I often bake these in a 10.5 x 7.5-inch pan, but a 9 x 13-inch pan works too.
🔪 How to Make Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the dough
- In a medium pot over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in milk and vanilla until warm. Remove from heat and mix in sugar.
- Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let sit a few minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and eggs, mixing until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes until elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly floured bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours until doubled.
Step 2: Make the cinnamon sugar filling
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix into a smooth compound butter.
Step 3: Roll and fill
- Roll dough into a large rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the surface.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into individual rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Step 4: Bake
- Place rolls in a buttered baking dish and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes until edges are golden brown.
Step 5: Frost
- While rolls cool slightly, make the glaze: beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
🧡 Tips & Notes
- Yeast: Make sure it foams; if not, it may be expired.
- Warm rising spot: If your kitchen is cold, preheat the oven for a couple minutes, then turn off and place dough inside to rise.
- Slicing: Dental floss works wonderfully for clean cuts.
- Smooth frosting: Soften cream cheese and sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps.
- Overnight option: Prepare rolls up to the resting stage, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container or covered with foil in the fridge for up to 3 days. Rewarm 30–45 seconds in the microwave.
✨ Fluffy, sweet, and buttery, these cinnamon rolls are a classic treat you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or any cozy morning!
