Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. These homemade cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft, fluffy, and loaded with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling that bakes into irresistible swirls. Finished with a rich cream cheese frosting that melts over the warm rolls, they're the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or any time you're craving homemade comfort food.

Although homemade cinnamon rolls may seem challenging, this step-by-step recipe makes the process simple. With a little time for the dough to rise, you'll be rewarded with bakery-style cinnamon rolls that are well worth the effort.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fluffy, bakery-style texture.
• Rich cinnamon and brown sugar filling.
• Creamy homemade cream cheese frosting.
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or holiday mornings.
• Easy-to-follow instructions for beginners.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 14 cinnamon rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups whole milk, warmed (100–110°F)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing

For the Cinnamon Filling

• ¾ cup salted butter, softened
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, and melted butter. The mixture should be warm but not hot.
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid and whisk gently to combine. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
3. Add 4 cups of the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Meanwhile, grease two round cake pans or baking dishes with butter.
6. After the dough has risen, stir in the baking powder, salt, and the remaining flour. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
7. Knead gently until the dough becomes smooth and no longer sticky. Add a little extra flour only if necessary.

Prepare the Filling

1. Roll the dough into a large rectangle approximately ½ inch thick.
2. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough.
3. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered surface.
4. Lightly press the filling into the butter to help it stay in place.
5. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam closed.
6. Slice the log into 14 equal rolls, each about 1½ inches thick.
7. Arrange seven rolls in each prepared pan, leaving a little space between them.
8. Cover the pans and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter.
3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and golden brown.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Pour in the milk and continue mixing until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. Add a little more milk if a thinner consistency is desired.

Finish & Serve

Spread or drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls so it melts into every swirl. Serve immediately for the softest, gooeyest homemade cinnamon rolls.

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh active dry yeast for the best rise.
• Make sure the milk is warm—not hot—to properly activate the yeast.
• Roll the dough tightly to create beautiful cinnamon swirls.
• Don't overbake; the rolls should remain soft and tender.
• Enjoy them warm for the ultimate bakery-style experience.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these homemade cinnamon rolls with freshly brewed coffee, hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk. They also make an excellent addition to holiday breakfasts, weekend brunches, or special family gatherings.