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BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

These fluffy and delicious homemade cinnamon rolls are slathered with cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with creamy frosting, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4-5 cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level for accuracy.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar Adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast No need for proofing.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
  • 3/4 cup water Use lukewarm to activate the yeast.
  • 1/2 cup whole milk Can substitute with almond milk.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter Cut into 4 slices.
  • 1 large egg At room temperature.
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter Very soft for spreading on the dough.
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar Use light or dark based on preference.
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon The star of this sweet dish!
For the Frosting
  • 4 oz full-fat block cream cheese Room temperature for lush texture.
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter Room temperature for creaminess.
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar Sweetens the frosting perfectly.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Adds depth of flavor.

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk until combined and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine water, milk, and slices of butter. Microwave in 10-second bursts until the butter melts and mixture feels warm.
  3. Whisk the egg into the warm mixture until combined. Pour over the flour mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Add another cup of flour to the sticky dough. Mix until it forms a soft ball and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 20 minutes at room temperature.
Forming the Rolls
  1. Roll the rested dough into a 14x10 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough leaving a half-inch border.
  2. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the buttered surface.
  3. Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough into a tight log and trim the ends.
  4. Using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 even rolls.
  5. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a 9x13 inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
  2. Make the frosting while the rolls bake by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Spread icing generously over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For make-ahead, freeze during the first rise.