There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your home—especially when they’re soft, gooey, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. If you’ve been searching for the perfect cinnamon roll recipe, look no further. This recipe delivers the best cinnamon rolls ever, made with pillowy-soft dough, a perfectly balanced cinnamon-sugar filling, and finished off with a decadent cream cheese icing. Whether it’s for a special breakfast, a holiday treat, or just a cozy weekend indulgence, these cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit!

The Best Cinnamon Rolls

Why This Recipe is the Best:

What makes these cinnamon rolls so irresistible? It’s all about texture and flavor. The dough is soft, light, and perfectly airy, while the cinnamon-sugar filling is sweet and slightly spiced. The cream cheese icing provides the ideal tangy sweetness that complements the rolls perfectly. These cinnamon rolls are also beginner-friendly, so even if you’ve never baked from scratch before, you can still create these delicious rolls with ease!

With just a few hours of proofing time, this recipe brings you gooey, melt-in-your-mouth rolls that are perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into how you can make these irresistible cinnamon rolls!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

1 ⅓ cups whole milk (320g)
4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
5 cups all-purpose flour (650g)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
2 teaspoons salt
½ cup unsalted butter (113g), room temperature

For the Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200g)
2 tablespoons cinnamon powder
¾ teaspoon salt

For Assembly & Baking:

½ cup heavy cream (120g), room temperature

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

4 oz cream cheese, room temperature (113g)
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (56g)
¼ cup heavy cream (60g)
1 cup icing sugar (100g)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Activate the Yeast:
Start by microwaving the milk for 20-30 seconds until it’s warm to the touch (around 100-110°F). Add the yeast and whisk the mixture. Let it rest for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Combine the Ingredients:
In the same bowl, add the remaining dough ingredients: sugar, flour, eggs, salt, and room-temperature butter. Stir everything together using a wooden spoon until it forms a shaggy dough.

Step 2: Kneading the Dough

By Hand:
Tip the dough onto a clean surface dusted with flour. Use your hands to knead the dough with a push-pull motion for about 15 minutes. The dough will be sticky initially, but resist the urge to add extra flour. Continue kneading until the dough becomes soft, smooth, and stretches easily. You can check by pulling the dough—if it stretches without tearing, it’s ready.
With a Stand Mixer:
Alternatively, use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment. Knead on medium-high speed for 7-10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is stretchy enough to pass the window-pane test.

Step 3: Proof the Dough

Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl and cover it with cling wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 60-90 minutes or until it has doubled in size. The dough should spring back partly when gently poked.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. If needed, microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to mix. The filling should be smooth and spreadable.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Roll the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it out into a 12×18-inch rectangle. The dough will be soft, so it won’t require much pressure.
Spread the Filling:
Use a spatula to evenly spread the cinnamon filling across the dough.
Cut the Rolls:
Starting from the 12-inch side, cut the dough into 12 strips (each about 1 inch wide and 18 inches long). Use a pizza cutter or ruler to help with precision. Roll each strip tightly into a cinnamon roll.
Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Arrange the rolls in a 4×3 formation. Let them rest in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes or until puffed up.

Step 6: Baking the Rolls

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the last 20 minutes of the second rise.
Add the Cream:
Just before baking, pour ½ cup heavy cream evenly over the rolls. The cream will be absorbed as the rolls bake, ensuring a soft and gooey texture.
Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and firm to the touch. Slightly underbake them for a gooey texture, or bake a bit longer for firmer rolls.
Cool:
Once baked, let the rolls cool for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls are cooling, whisk together the cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, and icing sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Generously spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy the gooey goodness!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls:

Sticky Dough: If your dough is too sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour and continue kneading. But be careful not to add too much flour, as this can affect the texture of the rolls.
Freezing the Rolls: You can freeze the unbaked rolls. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and continue with the final rise and baking steps.
Moisture Control: For the softest cinnamon rolls, pour the heavy cream over the rolls before baking. This step ensures they bake up moist and gooey, just the way cinnamon rolls should be!

Conclusion: The Perfect Cinnamon Rolls for Any Occasion

These best-ever cinnamon rolls are sure to become your go-to recipe for a warm, comforting breakfast or a special treat. With soft, fluffy dough, a rich cinnamon filling, and creamy icing, every bite is pure bliss. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the irresistible aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls wafting through your home!