Cinnamon Rolls
This quick and easy Cinnamon Rolls recipe delivers soft, gooey rolls filled with warm cinnamon and sugar swirls, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these homemade rolls bring bakery-quality flavor and tender texture using simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Glaze Ingredients (Optional)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- Prepare the Dough: Warm milk to about 110°F to activate the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. This ensures fluffy and airy rolls.
- Roll Out and Add Filling: Turn risen dough onto a floured surface. Roll into a 12 by 16 inch rectangle. Brush the surface evenly with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture generously over the buttered dough to create the classic swirl.
- Roll, Cut, and Arrange: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 9 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place the rolls cut side up in a greased baking pan, leaving space between each for expansion.
- Final Rise and Bake: Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for 20 to 30 minutes to puff up. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Glaze and Enjoy: While baking, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls right after baking, creating a gooey, creamy finish.
Notes
- Check yeast freshness by proofing it with warm milk and sugar before mixing dough.
- Use just enough flour to keep the dough manageable; avoid over-flouring to keep rolls soft.
- Use room temperature ingredients to speed up mixing and rising.
- Roll the dough tightly for defined spirals but handle gently to preserve air pockets.
- Letting the dough rise twice is key to light and fluffy rolls.
- Brush dough generously with butter inside and outside for extra softness and richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, quick cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastry, cinnamon swirl, homemade cinnamon rolls