Classic Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and filled with warm cinnamon sugar, classic cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort bake. Finished with a smooth cream cheese icing, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or anytime you want a sweet homemade treat that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Pillowy soft dough
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Rich cinnamon-sugar filling
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Sweet, creamy icing
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Perfect for make-ahead baking
Ingredients
Dough
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¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
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2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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¾ teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Filling
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Icing
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup powdered sugar
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add egg, egg yolk, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
Gradually stir in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Roll dough into a rectangle (about 14×9 inches).
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the butter.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log.
Cut into 9–12 rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 22–28 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.
Step 6: Make the Icing
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk; mix until creamy and spreadable.
Spread icing over warm rolls and serve.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
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Use warm—not hot—milk to activate yeast
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Don’t overbake to keep rolls soft
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Dental floss makes clean slices
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Ice while warm for gooey rolls or after cooling for thicker icing
Make-Ahead & Storage
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Prepare rolls the night before and refrigerate; bake fresh in the morning
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Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 3 days
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Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months
A Timeless Favorite
These classic cinnamon rolls are soft, rich, and filled with cozy cinnamon flavor in every bite. Whether for a special morning or a weekend treat, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and always worth the effort. 🍥✨