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Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

These easy cinnamon rolls from scratch are perfect for yeast beginners because they only require 1 rise. Each cinnamon roll is extra soft with the most delicious cinnamon swirl! The rolls freeze beautifully, so this is a great make-ahead recipe, especially for planning ahead for holidays or special breakfast occasions.
Prep Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled, plus more as needed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast 1 standard packet
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
Filling Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter extra softened
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar light or dark
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Icing
  • 4 ounces full-fat block cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium microwave-safe bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • 9-inch or 10-inch round cake pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
  • Instant-Read Thermometer
  • Wire Cooling Rack

Method
 

  1. Make the dough: Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.
  2. Combine the milk and butter together in a heatproof bowl. Microwave or use the stove and heat until the butter has melted and the mixture is warm to the touch (about 110°F/43°C, no higher). Whisk in the yeast until it has dissolved. Pour mixture into the dry ingredients, add the egg, and stir with a sturdy rubber spatula or wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
  3. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Using floured hands, knead the dough for 3-5 minutes. You should have a smooth ball of dough. If the dough is super soft or sticky, you can add a little more flour. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover loosely, and let the dough rest for about 10 minutes as you get the filling ingredients ready.
  4. Fill the rolls: After 10 minutes, roll the dough out in a 14×8-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter on top. Mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar. Sprinkle it all over the dough. Roll up the dough to make a 14-inch log. Cut into 10–12 even rolls and arrange in a lightly greased 9- or 10-inch round cake pan, pie dish, or square baking pan.
  5. Rise: Cover the pan with aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the rolls to rise in a relatively warm environment for 60–90 minutes or until double in size.
  6. Bake the rolls: After the rolls have doubled in size, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 24–27 minutes, or until lightly browned. If you notice the tops are getting too brown too quickly, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil and continue baking. Remove pan from the oven and place on a wire rack as you make the icing.
  7. Make the icing: In a medium bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add the butter and beat until smooth and combined, then beat in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla until combined. Using a knife or icing spatula, spread the icing over the warm rolls and serve immediately.

Notes

Make Ahead Instructions: This dough can be made the night before through step 4. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, remove from the refrigerator and allow to rise in a warm environment, about 1 hour.
Freezing Instructions: Baked rolls can be frozen up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm up before enjoying. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls by baking them for only about 10 minutes at 375°F. Cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze. To serve, thaw in refrigerator and finish baking for the remaining 15–18 minutes.
Yeast Tip: If you only have active dry yeast, you can use that instead. Active dry and instant yeast can be used interchangeably in recipes (1:1).
Storage: Cover leftover frosted or unfrosted rolls tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.