Go Back

Sweet and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 19 minutes
Servings 12 Cinnamon Rolls
Calories 380
These cinnamon rolls are the perfect beginner-friendly bake: soft, fluffy dough swirled with a rich dark brown sugar cinnamon filling, topped with a dreamy cream cheese icing that melts into every warm layer. Perfect for weekend mornings, cozy nights, or whenever your soul needs a hug.

Equipment

  • Rolling Pin
  • Mixing Bowls
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife or dental floss for slicing those rolls clean!

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients:

  • 1 cup warm milk (not hot — think cozy bath water!)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
  • 2 eggs (room temperature)
  • cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup granulated sugar

Filling Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar (pack it in like it’s moving day)
  • 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • cup unsalted butter (softened (for spreading))

Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients:

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Tiny pinch of salt

Instructions 

Step 1: Make the Dough

  • In a big bowl (or a stand mixer if you're feeling fancy), pour in the warm milk. Sprinkle the yeast over it, give it a quick stir, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets a little foamy.
  • Add the eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix.
  • Slowly add the flour, 1 cup at a time. When it gets thick, knead it by hand for about 5 minutes (or use your mixer's dough hook for 3-4 minutes). You're looking for soft, slightly sticky dough — like a fluffy cloud that decided to stay grounded.
  • Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled — about 1 hour. (Tip: You can preheat your oven for like 2 minutes, then turn it off and stick the bowl inside. Instant cozy rising space.)

Step 2: Make the Filling

  • In a small bowl, mix your dark brown sugar and cinnamon.
  • Get your softened butter ready to spread!

Step 3: Roll It Out

  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down (gently — don’t scare it 😌) and roll it out into a big rectangle, about 14x9 inches.
  • Spread the soft butter all over it like you’re buttering a giant piece of toast.
  • Sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mix allll over. Every corner, every edge — no sad bites allowed.

Step 4: Roll Up & Slice

  • Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long side.
  • Cut into 12 even slices. (Tip: Use unflavored dental floss to slice cleanly! Just shimmy it under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight.)
  • Place your rolls into a buttered 9x13" pan.

Step 5: Final Rise

  • Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, until they look puffy and ready for their moment.

Step 6: Bake!

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–26 minutes until they’re lightly golden on top but still soft and tender.

Step 7: Make That Dreamy Icing

  • Beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until creamy and smooth.
  • Spread it generously over the warm (but not burn-your-fingers hot) cinnamon rolls. Let it melt into all the nooks and crannies.
  • No judgment if you double the icing.

Notes

Storage Tips:

  • 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.
  • If icing is already on them, refrigerate for food safety (thanks, cream cheese).

 Reheating:

  • Microwave 1 roll for about 15–20 seconds to bring back that gooey, just-baked feel.
  • Want that bakery-warm finish? Pop them in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes (cover with foil to keep them soft).

 Freezing Tips:

  • You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping (before 2nd rise). Just place on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, rise at room temp for 1–2 hours, then bake.
  • Or freeze baked (but unfrosted) rolls and reheat before icing.
Calories: 380kcal
Course: Bakes, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Bakes, Cinnamon Rolls, Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls, Easy Recipes, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, Overnight Cinnamon Rolls, Soft Cinmamon Rolls