Nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked Classic Cinnamon Rolls! These fluffy rolls are swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting that melts into every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day, this recipe is a must-have for any baking enthusiast. With a tender dough and gooey center, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite!

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1.5 hours
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Difficulty: Intermediate
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per roll

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 4–4½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1–1½ cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
• Stir in granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add 4 cups of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add up to ½ cup more flour if the dough is too sticky.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

1. Prepare the Filling:

• In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
• On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
• Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously across the entire surface.

1. Roll and Cut:

• Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
• Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 even rolls. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, cut-side up.

1. Second Rise and Bake:

• Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30 minutes, or until puffy and touching each other.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

1. Make the Frosting:

• In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy, adjusting sugar to your desired sweetness.

1. Frost and Serve:

• Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls, letting it melt into the crevices. Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey goodness!

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Tips for Success

• Overnight Option: After placing the cut rolls in the pan, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking.
• Add Texture: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins over the filling before rolling for a nutty or fruity twist.
• Yeast Check: Ensure your yeast is fresh and the milk isn’t too hot (above 115°F/46°C can kill yeast).
• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to soften.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls after the second rise or baked rolls (unfrosted) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake (or reheat) as needed.

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Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Rolls

These Classic Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate indulgence—soft, fluffy, and packed with sweet, spicy cinnamon flavor, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or anytime you want to treat yourself and loved ones. The recipe is straightforward but yields bakery-quality results that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Bake these rolls and share the sweet love! Tag your creations with #ClassicCinnamonRolls on social media. Happy baking! 🍥