Name: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons); 1 cup milk; ½ cup granulated sugar; 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus up to ½ cup more as needed; 6 tablespoons butter, diced and softened; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 stick butter, softened; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; ½ cup white sugar; 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon; ¾ cup cream cheese; 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar), or more to taste; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 78 reviews

If there’s one thing that can brighten any morning or cozy gathering, it’s fresh, soft, and irresistibly aromatic cinnamon rolls. This Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is my absolute favorite for those special days when you want a warm, comforting treat that feels homemade and indulgent. These rolls are delightfully fluffy, generously spiced with cinnamon, and topped with that luscious cream cheese frosting that adds the perfect touch of tangy sweetness. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be wondering why you ever settled for store-bought!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A smooth, light beige dough ball sits in the center of a clear glass bowl. The dough looks soft and slightly puffy with a few gentle folds and small dimples on its surface. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background to the simple scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe is simple, but together, they create a harmony of flavors and textures that make these cinnamon rolls truly irresistible. From the richness of butter to the gentle rise given by yeast, each component plays an essential role in crafting that perfect light and fluffy dough and the sweet, cinnamony filling that melts in your mouth.

Yeast (1 package/2 ¼ teaspoons): Activates the dough’s rise for soft, fluffy rolls.
Milk (1 cup): Warm and nourishing, it helps dissolve sugar and activate yeast.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the dough just right for a balanced flavor.
All-purpose flour (4 cups plus up to ½ cup): The structure builder for your dough, adding more as needed keeps it perfect.
Butter (6 tablespoons softened for dough, 1 stick for filling): Adds richness and tenderness to both dough and filling.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Eggs (2 large): Provide moisture, structure, and a bit of golden color.
Brown sugar (½ cup packed): Deep, molasses notes that make the cinnamon filling sing.
White sugar (½ cup): Balances the brown sugar for sweetness in the filling.
Ground cinnamon (3 tablespoons): The star spice creating that signature cinnamon roll warmth.
Cream cheese (¾ cup): Creamy base for the frosting with a tangy kick.
Icing sugar (1 cup or more): Sweetens and smooths the frosting to just the right consistency.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds a lovely depth to the frosting flavor.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness in the frosting and enhances flavor complexity.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Make the Dough

Start by warming your milk gently to about 100°F — this activates the yeast without killing it. Then mix your yeast with a tablespoon of this warm milk and a teaspoon of sugar, letting it sit until bubbly. This little fermentation step is magic, producing the airy softness that cinnamon rolls are known for. Next, combine flour, butter, salt, eggs, the yeast mixture, milk, and sugar in a stand mixer, kneading on medium speed until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, slowly add a little more flour but be cautious—too much flour will make rolls tough instead of tender. After kneading, let your dough rise in a greased bowl covered with a towel, giving it about an hour in a warm spot to double in size.

Step 2: Shape the Rolls with the Perfect Cinnamon Filling

Once risen, turn your dough onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, roughly 18 by 12 inches and about a quarter-inch thick. Spread softened butter generously over the surface because that’s what makes these rolls melt in your mouth. Sprinkle a luscious mixture of brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon evenly across the buttery dough. Roll the dough tightly from the long side, sealing the seam carefully so your filling stays inside. Slice the roll log into 12 beautiful even rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife.

Step 3: Final Rise and Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13 inch pan, cover them with a tea towel, and allow them to puff up again for about 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for achieving that light, airy texture. While they rise, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake until the edges turn a lovely golden brown, usually about 18 minutes, but keep an eye on them. If the middle isn’t quite done after 20 minutes, tent with foil and continue baking gently so you get perfectly cooked rolls without overbrowning.

Step 4: Cream Cheese Frosting to Finish

While your rolls are still warm, make your frosting by beating cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until silky smooth. The warmth of the rolls makes the frosting melt slightly on top, creating a creamy, dreamy finish you’ll want to lick right off the pan. Spread the frosting generously before serving, and get ready for pure comfort in every bite!

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A close-up of a cinnamon roll on a white plate with white marbled texture underneath. The roll shows two main layers: the bottom layer is a thick, soft, pale yellow dough with a fluffy texture, and the top layer is a darker brown, cinnamon-swirled dough rolled into a spiral. White creamy icing is spread unevenly on the top and slightly drips down the sides, especially on the left side. One large bite is taken from the front right side, showing the soft inside of the dough. The background is blurred, with warm light highlighting the roll’s soft and moist texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a little flair and crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting just before serving. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of extra melted butter can also elevate the experience, offering a rustic touch that’s as inviting as the rolls themselves.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls shine brightest on their own but pair beautifully with fresh fruit or a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon — the salty-sweet combo will have everyone asking for seconds.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your cinnamon roll log into mini rolls for bite-sized snacks perfect for parties or serve them stacked on a pretty platter layered with parchment paper. You can also turn leftover dough into cinnamon roll muffins using a muffin tin, presenting a fun twist on the classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and the frosting luscious. For longer storage, refrigerate to extend freshness, but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully either before baking or after they have been baked and cooled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They keep well for up to 2 months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for unexpected guests or busy mornings.

Reheating

Reheat your cinnamon rolls by wrapping them in foil and warming in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This revives their soft texture and warms the cream cheese frosting to a delightful gooeyness, just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use whole milk instead of regular milk for the dough?

Absolutely! Whole milk adds a bit more richness, which can make your rolls even softer and more tender.

Is it okay to prepare the dough the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Just take it out to warm and rise again before shaping for the best results.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is key for flavor and texture, but in a pinch, margarine can work. Oil is less ideal as it changes the dough’s consistency significantly.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting too much on the rolls?

Allow the rolls to cool just a few minutes before frosting them. If they’re too hot, the frosting will melt and slide off, so a short wait helps keep it nice and thick.

What’s the best way to get evenly sized cinnamon rolls?

Use a piece of unscented dental floss to slice through the rolled log smoothly without squashing the dough, ensuring even, beautiful rolls.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about making your own sweet treats from scratch, and this Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe delivers that joy in every warm, gooey bite. Whether it’s for a celebration, a weekend brunch, or a cozy breakfast-in-bed moment, these cinnamon rolls bring comfort and smiles that linger. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with the process and the delicious results just like I have!