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Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Best Breakfast Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These homemade cinnamon rolls are a delightful breakfast favorite, featuring soft, buttery dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and baked to golden perfection. Topped with a creamy glaze, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth to kickstart your morning. Easy to prepare, these rolls are a comforting and indulgent treat that will leave everyone craving more.
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Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Breakfast Cinnamon Rolls recipe
Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 1 12
Calories: 375kcal
Cost: $13

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

Ingredients

The Dough

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

STEP 1: Activate the Yeast

  • Warm milk to 110°F-115°F
  • Add 1 teaspoon sugar and yeast to milk
  • Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy

STEP 2: Make the Dough

  • Mix 2 cups flour, remaining sugar, and salt
  • Add yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, vanilla
  • Mix until combined
  • Gradually add remaining flour until soft dough forms
  • Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic

STEP 3: First Rise

  • Place in greased bowl
  • Cover with towel
  • Let rise 60-90 minutes until doubled

STEP 4: Make Filling & Shape

  • Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg
  • Roll dough to 18x12 inch rectangle
  • Spread softened butter
  • Sprinkle with cinnamon mixture
  • Roll tightly from long edge
  • Cut into 12 equal pieces

STEP 5: Second Rise

  • Place rolls in greased 9x13 pan
  • Cover, let rise 45-60 minutes
  • Preheat oven to 350°F

STEP 6: Bake

  • Bake 25-30 minutes until golden
  • Cool 5-10 minutes

STEP 7: Frost

  • Beat cream cheese, butter until smooth
  • Add powdered sugar, vanilla
  • Spread on warm rolls

Notes

  • Use warm milk (110°F-115°F) for proper yeast activation
  • All ingredients should be at room temperature
  • Don't rush the rising process - dough must double in size
  • Use dental floss for clean cuts
  • Keep dough slightly tacky, avoid adding too much flour
  • Apply frosting while warm for melty texture
  • Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.536g | Calories: 375kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 220mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g