There’s nothing quite like the heavenly aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in your oven, filling your home with warmth and anticipation. These incredibly soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls feature a perfectly spiced filling swirled through tender yeast dough and topped with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re creating a special weekend breakfast, holiday treat, or simply indulging in the ultimate comfort food, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 7 tablespoons (85g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (3g) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) lukewarm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
- 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
For the Cinnamon Filling
- 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (15g) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (60g) walnuts, finely chopped
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 1/4 cups (280g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Time: 3 hours (including rising time)
Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and yeast. Add the lukewarm milk and stir gently. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This indicates that your yeast is active and ready to work.
- Create the Dough Base: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, whisk in the egg and vegetable oil until well combined. The egg should be at room temperature to prevent shocking the yeast.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all surfaces. Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Have your chopped walnuts ready in a separate bowl.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 18×12 inches (45x30cm), with the long side facing you.
- Add the Filling: Brush the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along the top edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter, then distribute the chopped walnuts on top, pressing them gently into the dough.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the bottom edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces, each about 1.5 inches thick.
- Second Rise: Arrange the cut rolls in a greased 9×13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish, leaving small gaps between each roll. Cover and let rise for 20-30 minutes until they’re puffy and touching each other.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, until they’re golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).
- Make the Frosting: While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the milk, then the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately while still warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Roll, Based on 12 Rolls)
- Calories: 385
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 62g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 8g
- Calcium: 110mg (8% DV)
- Iron: 2.8mg (16% DV)
- Vitamin A: 320mcg (36% DV)
Variations and Substitutions
Make-Ahead Options
Prepare the rolls through step 9, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for 30-45 minutes before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 3 months.
Dietary Modifications
For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, use vegan butter for the filling, and replace the cream cheese frosting with a simple powdered sugar glaze made with plant-based milk.
Filling Variations
Experiment with different fillings such as apple cinnamon with diced apples and extra cinnamon, chocolate chip with mini chocolate chips mixed into the cinnamon sugar, or orange cranberry with dried cranberries and orange zest.
Gluten-Free Alternative
Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious. You may need to add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of liquid.
Healthier Options
Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber and nutrients. You can also reduce the sugar in the filling by 25% and add extra cinnamon for flavor without the extra sweetness.
Nut-Free Version
Simply omit the walnuts from the filling, or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch without the tree nuts.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover cinnamon rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap individual rolls tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or place the entire pan in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For frozen rolls, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your dough isn’t rising, check that your yeast is fresh and that the milk wasn’t too hot, which can kill the yeast. The ideal temperature for lukewarm milk is around 110°F (43°C). If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a slightly warm oven with the light on.
For rolls that are too dense, avoid adding too much flour during kneading. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. Over-kneading can also result in tough rolls, so knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes! Use the same amount of instant yeast, but you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing it first. The rise times may be slightly shorter with instant yeast.
Why do my cinnamon rolls leak filling during baking? This usually happens when there’s too much filling or the dough is rolled too loosely. Make sure to leave that 1-inch border at the top edge unfilled, and roll the dough tightly but not so tight that it tears.
Can I make these without a stand mixer? Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be made by hand. The kneading will take a bit more effort, but the results will be just as delicious. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough? The dough should roughly double in size during the first rise. You can test by gently poking it with a finger – if the indentation remains, it’s ready. For the second rise, the rolls should look puffy and be touching each other.
What’s the best way to cut the rolls without squashing them? Use unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife. For dental floss, slide it under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull through. This cuts cleanly without compressing the delicate dough.
These homemade cinnamon rolls represent the very best of comfort baking – they’re tender, fragrant, and absolutely irresistible when topped with that luscious cream cheese frosting. While they do require some time and patience, the process is deeply satisfying, and the results are far superior to anything you can buy. Whether you’re treating your family to a special breakfast or bringing these to share with friends, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to create lasting memories and have everyone begging for the recipe.