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cinnamon rolls
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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

These Homemade Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch are incredibly soft, fluffy, and filled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl. Topped with a rich cream cheese icing, they are a warm, family-favorite breakfast that makes every Saturday morning feel special!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting/Proofing Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp) Ensure it's fresh!
  • 1 cup whole milk Warmed to 110°F.
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter Melted and slightly cooled.
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups bread flour Plus more for dusting. (approx. 500g)
For the Filling
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter Very soft.
  • ¾ cup brown sugar Packed.
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing
  • 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese Brick-style, softened.
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch rectangular glass baking pan Grease well with butter.
  • 1 Large deep ceramic mixing bowl For proofing the dough.
  • 1 Professional wooden rolling pin
  • 1 Digital kitchen scale Recommended for weighing the bread flour.
  • 1 Instant-read digital thermometer To check milk temperature.
  • 1 Stainless steel bench scraper For clean, even cuts.

Method
 

  1. Let them rest for 20 minutes to puff up, then bake at 375°F for 22-26 minutes. Pull them out when they are just golden—over-baking is the only enemy of a soft roll!
  2. Whisk in your [melted butter], the rest of the [granulated sugar], the [room temperature eggs], and the [salt]. I like to make sure the eggs are room temp so they don't chill our happy yeast!
  3. Add your [bread flour] one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon. Stop when a shaggy, tacky dough forms and starts pulling away from the sides. It should be soft, not stiff!
  4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for about 8-10 minutes. It’s a little workout, but it’s so therapeutic! You're looking for a smooth, pillowy texture that springs back when you poke it.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cozy towel. Let it rest in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes until it has doubled in size. This is a great time to grab a coffee!
  6. While the dough grows, mix the [softened butter], [brown sugar], and [ground cinnamon] in a small bowl until it's a thick, beautiful paste. This is the secret to that gooey center we all love.
  7. Punch down the dough (so satisfying!) and roll it into an 18x12 inch rectangle. Spread that [brown sugar] and [ground cinnamon] paste all the way to the edges, leaving just a tiny border at the top to seal it.
  8. Roll the dough into a tight log. Using your bench scraper, cut it into 12 even rounds. Place them in your greased 9x13 pan. They’ll look so cute with those spirals facing up!
  9. Let them rest for 20 minutes to puff up, then bake at 375°F for 22-26 minutes. Pull them out when they are just golden—over-baking is the only enemy of a soft roll!
  10. Whisk the [full-fat cream cheese], [powdered sugar], [whole milk], and [vanilla extract] until glossy. Pour it over the rolls while they are still warm so it melts into every single layer. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 7gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 240mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 2gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 450IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or in the fridge for 4 days.
  • Reheating: A 20-second zap in the microwave makes them taste like they just came out of the oven!
  • Flour Tip: I highly recommend using a kitchen scale for the bread flour. Too much flour is the #1 reason for dry rolls!
  • Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked rolls after cutting (Step 8). Just thaw in the fridge overnight and let them rise before baking.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!