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Classic Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Close-up of two gooey cinnamon rolls on a white plate, one cut in half to show the swirl.

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Create soft, spiral yeasted rolls filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with cream cheese icing. These bakery-quality cinnamon rolls are perfect for a cozy weekend morning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • For the Filling:
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Cream Cheese Icing:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 24 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in granulated sugar, softened butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  6. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  7. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long edge. Cut into 12 equal slices.
  8. Place rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  10. While rolls bake, prepare the icing: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  11. Spread icing over warm cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • For an overnight option, prepare the dough and assemble the rolls as directed. Place in the baking pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
  • Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened for the easiest mixing.
  • Adjust the amount of milk in the icing to achieve your preferred thickness.

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