Go Back

Cinnamon Rolls Warm Breakfast Pastry

Is there anything better than waking up to the smell of homemade cinnamon rolls? These pillowy-soft spirals of cinnamon-sugar goodness are worth the little bit of effort, I promise! They're perfect for weekend mornings when you have a bit more time, and the dough is actually quite forgiving—even if you're not a pro baker, you've got this, mama!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the dough:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup whole milk warmed to 110°F
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For the filling:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • For the cream cheese frosting:
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk as needed

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, eggs, sugar, and salt, whisking to combine.
  2. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.
  3. Punch down dough and roll into an 18x12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
  4. Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
  6. While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, beating until smooth and spreadable.
  7. Let rolls cool for 5 minutes, then generously frost while still warm. Serve immediately and watch them disappear—these never last long in my house!