BEST HOMEMADE CINNAMON ROLLS
These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and loaded with cinnamon sugar goodness. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, they are the perfect breakfast treat or dessert to indulge in on any occasion.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk 110°F/43°C
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoon milk to achieve desired consistency
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add melted butter, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16x12 inches).
- Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough tightly from the longer side and cut it into 12 equal rolls.
- Place the rolls into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the rolls bake, make the frosting: beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are done, spread the frosting over them while still warm. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra touch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
- Make sure your milk is not too hot, or it could kill the yeast.
- These rolls are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
- You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight for an easy, make-ahead breakfast.
- For an extra soft texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- The frosting can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze leftover rolls for up to 1 month, and reheat them in the oven for a fresh, warm treat.