Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, buttery, and filled with sweet cinnamon sugar. Topped with creamy icing, they are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or tea time.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings
Makes 9 cinnamon rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon powder
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add egg, butter, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel.
Let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Place the dough on a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle shape.
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle over the buttered dough.
Step 4: Roll the Dough
Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape from one side to the other.
Step 5: Cut the Rolls
Cut the dough log into 9 equal pieces using a knife or thread.
Step 6: Arrange in Baking Pan
Place the rolls into a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 9: Add Frosting
Mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Spread the frosting over warm cinnamon rolls.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
- Use warm milk, not hot milk, or the yeast may die.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for soft rolls.
- Don’t overbake; otherwise the rolls become dry.
- Spread frosting while the rolls are still warm for the best texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make cinnamon rolls without cream cheese?
Yes, you can use a simple sugar glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
2. How do I store cinnamon rolls?
Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for 5 days.
3. Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Yes. Freeze baked rolls without frosting for up to 2 months.
4. Why didn’t my dough rise?
The yeast may be expired or the milk may have been too hot or too cold.
5. Can I prepare them overnight?
Yes. After cutting the rolls, keep them covered in the fridge overnight and bake the next day.
6. What flour is best for cinnamon rolls?
All-purpose flour works well, but bread flour gives extra softness and chewiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with hot coffee or tea
- Enjoy as breakfast or dessert
- Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra flavor
