I have perfected my Best Cinnamon Rolls where ingredients like heated milk, eggs, melted butter, and all-purpose flour blend with active dry yeast into a soft dough. A blend of brown sugar and cinnamon fills each roll, finished with a cream cheese frosting to complete this delightful, home-baked treat.

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Every now and then I stumble upon a recipe that just clicks with me, and these homemade cinnamon rolls are definitely one of those times. I first tried them using 1 cup of warm milk, 2 large eggs, and 1/3 cup of melted unsalted butter to kickstart the dough, and it was a game changer.

I mixed in 4 cups of all purpose flour with a bit of salt and granulated sugar, letting the active dry yeast do its thing. The filling, made with 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 2 1/2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon mixed with softened unsalted butter, brings just the right amount of spice and sweetness.

I then topped the rolls with a luscious cream cheese frosting, made from cream cheese, additional butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This recipe is one that even on high tea or your favorite brunch, you can impress your loved ones with every bite.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s super easy to make and the dough comes out soft and fluffy every time.
I like how the cinnamon sugar filling makes the whole kitchen smell amazing, like a warm hug.
I really dig the cream cheese frosting; it’s the perfect mix of sweet and tangy that totally takes the rolls to the next level.
Plus, I appreciate that I can experiment with it a bit if I want to, but even just following the recipe gives me these ultimate best cinnamon rolls that make every brunch feel special.

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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Warm Milk: boosts yeast activity, adds protein and natural sweetness to the dough.
Eggs: enrich the dough with protein and fat, making the rolls tender and tasty.
Unsalted Butter: brings rich flavor and moisture that helps keep the dough soft.
All Purpose Flour: provides carbohydrates and structure, forming the chewy base for the rolls.
Active Dry Yeast: helps the dough rise and become fluffy, even if sometimes it acts up.
Brown Sugar: adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness and extra moisture to the filling.
Cream Cheese: offers tangy creaminess, creating that perfect balance in the sweet frosting.
Powdered Sugar (Frosting): sweetens the topping further, balancing the tangy cream cheese well.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)

2 large eggs at room temperature

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

For the filling: 1 cup packed brown sugar

2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the cream cheese frosting: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 to 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

How to Make this

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1. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, eggs, and melted butter. Sprinkle in the yeast along with the granulated sugar and salt. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture gets foamy.

2. Add the all-purpose flour slowly and stir it in until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until it gets soft and elastic.

3. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it loosely with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

4. While the dough is rising, mix together the filling ingredients in a small bowl: the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter.

5. Once the dough has doubled, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16 by 10 inches. Make sure the dough is evenly rolled out.

6. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a little margin along the edges.

7. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log, then cut the log into 12 even slices.

8. Arrange the slices in a greased baking pan, cover again with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes until they puff up.

9. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the cinnamon rolls for about 25 minutes until they’re golden brown.

10. While the rolls are baking, mix together the cream cheese, softened butter, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Drizzle or spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Whisk or fork for stirring
4. Small bowl for mixing the filling ingredients
5. Clean towel to cover the dough during rising
6. Floured surface (like a countertop or board) for kneading and rolling out
7. Rolling pin for flattening the dough
8. Knife or bench cutter to slice the rolled dough into 12 pieces
9. Greased baking pan
10. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
11. Mixing bowl and spatula or hand mixer for blending the cream cheese frosting

FAQ

What temperature should the milk be?

The milk needs to be warm, around 110°F. if it's too hot it might kill the yeast, and if it's too cold the yeast won't activate.

Can I mix the dough ahead of time?

Yeah, you can mix the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to let it come back to room temperature before you roll it out.

What if I don't have brown sugar for the filling?

You can substitute by mixing granulated sugar with a bit of molasses. It'll give a similar flavor, but brown sugar is best for that rich taste.

How can I make the cream cheese frosting smoother?

The key is to let the cream cheese and butter get really soft before mixing, and you might want to beat them a bit longer than usual to get that smooth consistency.

Can I add other ingredients like nuts to the filling?

Sure, it's totally fine to throw in some nuts or even raisins if you're looking to switch things up. Just don't overload it or else the roll might get too heavy.

The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Warm milk: You can use buttermilk or even plant based ones like almond milk if you need a dairy free option. Just know the tangy taste might change the flavor a bit
Eggs: Try using a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water to replace one egg) or unsweetened applesauce if you want a vegan twist. It might slightly alter the roll texture tho
Unsalted butter: If you dont have it, you can swap with coconut oil or margarine. Both work pretty well but check if you like the extra flavor coconut oil leaves
All purpose flour: In a pinch, bread flour can be used instead. Your rolls might turn out a bit chewier but they will still taste amazing
Granulated sugar: You could try coconut sugar or raw sugar as alternatives. They might give the dough a hint of different flavor and sweetness so adjust to taste

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your milk is around 110°F before you start, cuz if it’s too hot the yeast will get killed, and if it’s too cold it won’t activate enough. Trust me, getting that temperature right is key to a good rise.

2. When you’re kneading the dough, keep an eye on it. You wanna knead it until its soft and elastic but don’t overdo it. Sometimes you might need a bit more flour if it’s too sticky, just adjust as you go.

3. Roll out your dough evenly. If it’s uneven then some parts might get too much or too little filling, which messes up the texture. Take your time to make the rectangle look as smooth as possible.

4. Finally, let your rolls rise in a warm spot and cover them with a clean towel. Even if your kitchen isn’t perfect, try to keep them in a consistent warm area so they puff up nicely.