Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Fresh from the Oven)

Nothing beats the smell and taste of warm, homemade cinnamon rolls straight from the oven. This recipe makes soft, fluffy rolls with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and a creamy glaze or frosting.

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📝 Ingredients

Dough

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

Filling

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

Cream Cheese Frosting (optional but recommended)

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 to 1½ cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture.

3. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.

4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or use dough hook on medium speed for 6–7 minutes) until smooth and elastic.

5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size.

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2. Make the filling

• Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.

• Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough (next step).

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3. Roll out and fill the dough

1. Punch down the dough and roll it into a 16×12 inch rectangle on a floured surface.

2. Spread the softened butter over the dough surface.

3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter.

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4. Roll and cut

1. Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.

2. Cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.

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5. Second rise

• Place rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.

• Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

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6. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

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7. Make the frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

3. Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach desired spreadable consistency.

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8. Frost and serve

• Spread frosting on warm rolls. Serve immediately for best taste.

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🍽️ Serving

• Enjoy fresh and warm with coffee or milk.

• Rolls can be reheated gently for softness.

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✅ Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
🔥 Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
🥐 Yield: 12 large cinnamon rolls

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💡 Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for better dough.

• Don’t over-flour the dough while rolling to keep rolls soft.

• For extra gooey rolls, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or raisins to the filling.

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If you want, I can also share:

• 🥄 Quick cinnamon rolls with no rise time

• 🧁 Cinnamon roll cupcakes recipe

• 🍯 Sticky buns with caramel glaze.