There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. This recipe has been made around family tables for generations—soft, fluffy dough wrapped around buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Whether it’s Christmas morning, Sunday breakfast, or just because, these rolls always disappear fast.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (+ 1½–2 hours rising)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 3 hours
- Yield: 12 large cinnamon rolls
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, if needed
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, and salt. Stir until combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter.
Step 3: Roll & Slice
- Roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
- Arrange them in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Cover and let rise another 30–45 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–26 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Do not overbake—the centers should stay soft.
Step 5: Frost
Beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk until smooth. Spread generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Grandma’s Tips ❤️
- ✔ Use room-temperature ingredients for the fluffiest dough.
- ✔ Dental floss makes perfectly shaped rolls without squishing them.
- ✔ Frost while the rolls are still warm so the icing melts into every swirl.
- ✔ Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months and frost after reheating.
We’d Love to Hear From You
If you bake these cinnamon rolls, leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out! Did you add pecans, raisins, or extra cinnamon? Every family has their own twist, and we’d love to hear yours.