Cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food: soft, fluffy, and oozing with gooey cinnamon goodness. This recipe is designed to give you the fluffiest rolls with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and a heavenly cream cheese glaze. Whether it’s for a cozy brunch, a special holiday treat, or a spontaneous indulgence, these rolls will win everyone over.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup (75 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (more if needed for consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) until it forms a spreadable paste.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
Step 4: Second Rise
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a bit of space between them. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and your kitchen smells irresistible.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and spreadable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
- Spread the glaze generously over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls the night before and let them rise in the refrigerator. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.
- Customize: Add chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the filling for a unique twist.
- Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Why These Cinnamon Rolls Are Absolutely Sinful
The secret lies in their melt-in-your-mouth texture, indulgent filling, and creamy glaze. These aren’t just cinnamon rolls—they’re an experience. Perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy, rich yet light, they will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds).