Homemade Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls

Wake up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Breakfast Cinnamon Rolls! These soft, pillowy rolls combine the best of classic cinnamon rolls with a unique breakfast twist that'll make your morning extra special. Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch or treating your family to a cozy breakfast, these versatile breakfast rolls are sure to become your new favorite morning tradition. Ready in just over an hour, they're the perfect balance of easy preparation and impressive results.

Why You'll Love These Breakfast Cinnamon Rolls

There's something magical about homemade breakfast rolls that store-bought versions just can't match. These rolls are perfectly sized for breakfast portions and feature a buttery, tender dough that practically melts in your mouth. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator, making your morning routine a breeze. Plus, these rolls freeze beautifully, so you can always have fresh-tasting Breakfast Cinnamon Rolls ready to go.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Equipment
• Storage
• Top Tip
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• Best Breakfast Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

The Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F-115°F)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

The Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed to adjust consistency)

Instructions

Activating the Yeast :

1. Warm the milk to 110°F-115°F (slightly warm to touch, not hot)
2. Add 1 teaspoon of the sugar to the warm milk
3. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk
4. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy and fragrant
   • If the yeast doesn't foam, it may be inactive - start over with fresh yeast

Making the Dough :

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
   • 2 cups of the flour
   • Remaining sugar
   • Salt
2. Add to the flour mixture:
   • Activated yeast mixture
   • Melted butter (slightly cooled)
   • Eggs
   • Vanilla extract
3. Mix until well combined, either with:

• Stand mixer with dough hook on medium speed
• Wooden spoon if mixing by hand
• Gradually add remaining flour until dough forms
• Knead for 8-10 minutes until:
  • Smooth and elastic
  • Slightly tacky but not sticky
  • Dough springs back when poked

First Rise :

1. Place dough in a lightly greased large bowl
2. Cover with clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
3. Let rise in warm place (75°F-85°F) for 60-90 minutes
4. Dough should double in size

Preparing the Filling :

1. In a medium bowl, mix together:
   • Brown sugar
   • Ground cinnamon
   • Nutmeg (if using
2. Set aside
3. Have softened butter ready for spreading

Shaping the Rolls :

1. Punch down dough to release air bubbles
2. On lightly floured surface, roll dough into:
   • 18x12 inch rectangle
   • Approximately ¼ inch thick
3. Spread softened butter evenly to edges
4. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly
5. Starting from long edge, roll tightly:
   • Keep roll even and firm
   • Don't roll too tight or centers will pop up
6. Cut into 12 equal pieces:
   • Use sharp knife or unflavored dental floss
   • Each piece should be about 1.5 inches wide

Second Rise :

1. Prepare 9x13 inch baking pan:
   • Grease well with butter or cooking spray
   • Line with parchment paper (optional)
2. Arrange rolls in pan:
   • Place cut side up
   • Leave space between rolls
3. Cover and let rise:
   • 45-60 minutes
   • Until doubled and touching

Baking :

1. Preheat oven to 350°F Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until:
2. Golden brown on top
   • Internal temperature reaches 190°F
   • Center roll springs back when touched

Making Cream Cheese Frosting :

1. Beat together until smooth:
   • Softened cream cheese
   • Softened butter
2. Gradually add:
   • Powdered sugar
   • Vanilla extract
   • Pinch of salt
3. Adjust consistency with milk if needed

Finishing :

1. Let rolls cool for 5-10 minutes
2. Apply frosting:
   • While still warm for melty frosting
   • When cooled for thicker topping

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Whisk
• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook (optional)
• Rolling Pin
• Knife or Dough Cutter
• Pastry Brush
• Baking Dish or Pan
• Plastic Wrap or Kitchen Towel
• Oven
• Cooling Rack
• Spatula or Spoon

Storage

• Room Temperature: 2 days in airtight container
• Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (unbaked or baked)
• Reheat: 30 seconds in microwave or 10 minutes in 300°F oven

FAQ

These cinnamon rolls make the perfect breakfast treat, combining warm, gooey sweetness with a comforting aroma. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser, whether for a special occasion or a cozy morning at home. Enjoy fresh out of the oven, and start your day with a warm, indulgent touch! Don’t forget to share your feedback and pictures of your delicious creation!
Check out our Classic Cinnamon Cookies Recipe for more meal prep ideas.

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Pairing

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