Ingredients
– 1 cup warm milk Activates yeast for perfect rise, adds moisture for softness
– 2 1/4 tsp yeast Provides leavening power, creating light, airy texture
– 1/2 cup sugar Feeds yeast and sweetens dough gently
– 1/3 cup butter Ensures rich, tender crumb; use softened for easy mixing
– 1 tsp salt Balances sweetness, strengthens gluten structure
– 2 eggs Adds richness, color, and structure for pillowy rolls
– 4-5 cups flour Forms dough base; all-purpose works best for chewiness
– 1/3 cup softened butter For filling; melts into gooey layers
– 1 cup brown sugar Creates caramel-like filling with deep molasses notes
– 2-3 tbsp cinnamon Delivers signature warm spice punch
– 6 oz cream cheese Base for frosting; provides creamy tang
– 1/4 cup butter Smooths out frosting texture
– 2 cups powdered sugar Sweetens icing to perfection
– 1 tsp vanilla Adds aromatic depth to finish
Instructions
1-First Step: Warm 1 cup milk to 110ยฐF. Stir in 2 1/4 tsp yeast and 1/2 cup sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast for optimal rise.
2-Second Step: Melt 1/3 cup butter and cool slightly. Beat in 2 eggs and 1 tsp salt. Combine with yeast mixture in a large bowl. Gradually add 4-5 cups flour, starting with 4 cups, until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly sticky.
3-Third Step: Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth. Let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled. Poke test: dough rebounds slowly.
4-Fourth Step: Punch down dough. Roll into a 16ร21-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread 1/3 cup softened butter evenly. Mix 1 cup brown sugar and 2-3 tbsp cinnamon; sprinkle over butter.
5-Fifth Step: Roll tightly from long side into a log. Pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal rolls using unflavored dental floss or sharp knife. Place in greased 9ร13-inch pan.
6-Sixth Step: Cover rolls loosely. Let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden. Rolls should sound hollow when tapped.
7-Final Step: Beat 6 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls. Serve immediately for gooey bliss. Total yield: 12 rolls. Pair these easy cinnamon rolls with a fresh side like our classic Caesar salad for brunch.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
๐ฅ Use warm (not hot) milk to activate the yeast – too hot will kill it and too cold won’t activate it properly
๐ฏ Roll the dough tightly and use dental floss to cut clean slices without squishing the rolls
โฐ Make ahead: prepare rolls the night before, refrigerate after shaping, let rise at room temperature for 45 minutes before baking
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
