Soft and Gooey Freshly Baked Cinnamon Rolls
Nothing compares to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling the kitchen. Soft, pillowy dough wrapped around a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and finished with a silky glaze—these cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort bake. This recipe focuses on achieving that bakery-style texture: light and fluffy on the outside, irresistibly gooey in the center.
Perfect for slow mornings, weekend brunch, or special occasions, these cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the filling is molten and the glaze melts into every swirl.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Rolls
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Ultra-soft, fluffy dough
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Rich, gooey cinnamon filling
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Perfect balance of sweetness and spice
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Ideal for make-ahead baking
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Better than bakery cinnamon rolls
Ingredients
Dough
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1 cup warm milk (about 40°C / 105°F)
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2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon salt
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4–4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Filling
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¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
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2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
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⅓ cup unsalted butter, very soft
Cream Cheese Glaze
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4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
Making the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and helps create a light, fluffy dough.
Add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix until well combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined. Set aside.
The butter should be very soft so it spreads easily across the dough without tearing it.
Shaping the Cinnamon Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 40 × 30 cm (16 × 12 inches).
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, reaching all the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the butter.
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Baking
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
Bake the cinnamon rolls for 22–25 minutes, or until lightly golden on top but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking—this is the key to keeping them gooey.
For extra softness, you can pour ¼ cup of warm cream over the rolls just before baking.
Making the Glaze
While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Stir in milk or cream a little at a time until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency.
Finishing and Serving
Spread the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls straight from the oven. The heat allows it to melt into the rolls, creating an irresistibly gooey finish.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Perfectly Gooey Cinnamon Rolls
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Do not overbake—slightly underdone is better than dry
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Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth dough
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Let the rolls rise fully for maximum softness
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Pour warm cream over rolls before baking for extra moisture
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warm and soft.
Final Thoughts
These soft and gooey freshly baked cinnamon rolls are the definition of comfort baking. With their fluffy dough, rich cinnamon filling, and melt-in-your-mouth glaze, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite recipe on your website and in your kitchen. Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.