Fluffy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Sweet Cream Cheese Frosting

These fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness, all crowned with a thick, sweet cream cheese frosting. From the warm scent that fills my kitchen while they bake to the pillowy texture of each bite, these rolls are pure comfort food—perfect for weekend mornings, holidays, or anytime I crave a cozy treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cinnamon rolls because they turn out bakery-style soft and tender every single time. The dough is rich and fluffy, the cinnamon filling is perfectly spiced and sweet, and the frosting adds a creamy finish that melts into all the right places. They’re easy enough for a home baker like me but feel like something straight out of a café.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Salt

• Active dry yeast

• Whole milk

• Unsalted butter

• Large eggs

For the filling:

• Brown sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• Unsalted butter (softened)

For the frosting:

• Cream cheese (softened)

• Unsalted butter (softened)

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• Milk (to adjust consistency if needed)

Directions

1. I warm the milk (not too hot) and dissolve the yeast with a bit of sugar. I let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large bowl, I combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. I add the milk mixture, eggs, and softened butter, mixing until a soft dough forms.

3. I knead the dough for 6–8 minutes by hand or with a dough hook until smooth and elastic.

4. I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size.

5. I roll the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter across the surface.

6. I mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough.

7. I roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 12 even rolls.

8. I arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes.

9. I bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and fluffy.

10. While they bake, I beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

11. I spread the frosting over the warm rolls so it melts into every swirl.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 cinnamon rolls. It takes about 25 minutes to prep the dough, plus 2 hours for rising and 30 minutes to bake. In total, I plan for about 3 hours from start to finish (including frosting).

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch. For a twist, I’ve used orange zest in the dough or added maple syrup to the frosting. If I want to prep ahead, I assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate them to rise in the morning before baking.

storage/reheating

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep them the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, I let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No problem—I knead the dough by hand on a floured surface until it’s smooth and stretchy.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The tops should be golden, and the centers puffed and set. I tap the middle roll to make sure it springs back lightly.

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes. I freeze unbaked rolls (after shaping) or baked, unfrosted rolls. When ready, I thaw overnight, then bake or reheat as needed and frost fresh.

Why are my rolls not fluffy?

Overflouring the dough or under-proofing can make them dense. I always measure carefully and allow enough rise time for soft, airy results.

Conclusion

These fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls are everything I want in a sweet, comforting breakfast or dessert. They’re soft, gooey, and full of cinnamon-sugar bliss—topped with that luscious cream cheese frosting that makes them impossible to resist. Whether I’m baking for family, friends, or just myself, this recipe never lets me down.