Home Cooked Recipes

There’s something deeply comforting about the scent of cinnamon drifting through the kitchen. These cinnamon rolls are more than just a recipe—they’re a ritual.

I make them when I want to slow down, when I want to show love, or when I need a little sweetness to soften the edges of the day. The dough is tender, the filling rich with buttery cinnamon sugar, and the cream cheese frosting melts into every swirl like a hug. They’re imperfect in the best way—slightly uneven, generously frosted, and always made with care.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, I hope these cinnamon rolls bring a little warmth to your morning.

✨ Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1–2 tbsp milk (optional, for thinning)

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🧁 Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until combined.
3. Stir in flour and salt. Knead by hand or with a mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Once dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
3. Spread softened butter generously over the surface.
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the buttered dough.

3. Roll and Cut:

1. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
2. Slice into 12 even rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

4. Bake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Make the Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until fluffy.
3. Add milk if needed to reach desired consistency.

6. Frost and Serve:

• Spread frosting over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls.
• Serve with coffee, tea, or a quiet moment.

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