BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Learn how to bake the BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with this easy, brioche-style recipe. Soft, fluffy, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.

There is absolutely nothing that compares to the aroma of the BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls wafting through your kitchen on a lazy Saturday morning. This is not just a recipe, it is an experience that brings the family together. I have spent years perfecting this brioche-style dough to ensure every single bite is pillowy, soft, and dripping with a gooey cinnamon center. Whether you are a seasoned baker who loves making homemade white bread or a beginner looking for a triumph, these rolls are the gold standard.

The secret to these rolls is the dough, fluffy and light. To achieve that perfect texture, I recommend using a high-quality mixer. While I often use a stand mixer, for larger batches of dough or creating smooth fillings, I highly recommend the Ninja BN751 Professional Plus DUO Blender. Its 1000W motor is perfect for emulsifying ingredients, much like it is perfect for tahini sauce and harissa paste, ensuring your frosting is never lumpy. If you enjoy other dough-based treats like soft pretzels, you will find the kneading process here quite similar and incredibly satisfying.

BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls



📌 PIN RECIPE

Prep Time
160 MIN
Cook Time
25 MIN
Servings
12 PERS

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 Tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/2 Cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 Cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 Large egg, room temperature
  • 4 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tsp salt
  • 1 Cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 Oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 Cups powdered sugar
  • 1 Tsp apple juice

Instructions

  1. 1 Bloom the yeast in warm milk and 1 tablespoon of sugar for 10 minutes until foamy
  2. 2 Mix in remaining sugar, butter, egg, flour, and salt until a dough forms
  3. 3 Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic
  4. 4 Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for 1.5 hours until doubled in size
  5. 5 Roll dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle and spread with softened butter
  6. 6 Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter and roll tightly into a log
  7. 7 Cut into 12 rolls and place in a greased 9×13 pan for a 45 minute second rise
  8. 8 Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly golden brown
  9. 9 Whisk cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, apple juice, and milk for frosting
  10. 10 Frost the rolls while warm and serve immediately

LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT TO YOUR BOARDS!

Expert Tips for Success

To keep your ingredients perfectly organized during the prep phase, I swear by the Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor, which is a meal prep essential for fast chopping and slicing. When you are rolling out the dough, make sure your surface is lightly floured to prevent sticking. If you have any leftovers, storing them properly is key. I use the Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage Set of 9 because it is perfect for meal prep storage, leak-proof, and stackable. For long-term storage, the FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine keeps ingredients fresh longer and prevents freezer burn, which is great if you want to freeze the dough before the second rise.

While these rolls are a sweet treat, if you are planning a full brunch, they pair beautifully with savory dishes like a classic beef stew or some crispy air-fried sides. For roasting vegetables or chickpeas to serve alongside, the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt is fantastic because it roasts chickpeas and vegetables perfectly with a large family capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, then cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking. This makes for a stress-free morning, allowing the yeast to develop a deeper flavor.

Why didn’t my dough rise properly?

Usually, this happens if the milk was too hot (which kills the yeast) or too cold (which doesn’t activate it). Ensure your milk is exactly 110°F. Also, check the expiration date on your yeast. Fresh yeast is the backbone of the BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls.

How do I get perfectly clean cuts on my rolls?

Forget the knife, use unflavored dental floss! Slide a long piece of floss under the rolled log, cross it over the top, and pull quickly. This slices through the dough without squishing the beautiful layers of cinnamon and butter.

Saunders
Saunders

I know firsthand the challenges that come with trying to build a business while juggling the demands of family life. I started with a passion for helping others but no roadmap for success. Through perseverance and learning, I transformed my own life and business, and now I help others do the same.

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