Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, pillowy sweet dough spiraled with a warm cinnamon-sugar filling and crowned with a tangy cream cheese glaze. These bakery-style rolls rise to glorious heights, filling your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or holiday brunches.
For 8 servings
- mix · ~10 min
Make the dough.
1.In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.2.Add remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix with dough hook on low until combined.3.Gradually add remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.4.Knead on medium speed for 5 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.TIPDough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it sticks to your finger, add 1 tablespoon flour at a time. - rest · ~90 min
First rise.
Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
TIPA turned-off oven with the light on makes a perfect warm, draft-free spot for rising. - mix · ~2 min
Make the cinnamon filling.
1.In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon powder. Stir until evenly mixed.2.Set aside near your work surface with the softened butter. - prep · ~5 min
Roll out the dough.
1.Punch down the risen dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface.2.Roll into a 16x12 inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.3.Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire surface, going all the way to the edges.4.Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter and press it down gently.TIPLeaving a 1/2-inch border on one long edge without filling makes sealing the roll easier. - assemble · ~4 min
Shape the cinnamon rolls.
1.Starting at a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, finishing seam side down.2.Using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 8 equal slices about 1.5 inches thick.3.Place rolls cut side up in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, spaced evenly apart.TIPDental floss gives the cleanest cut. Slide a long piece under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice through. - rest · ~40 min
Second rise.
Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place until puffy and nearly doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- bake · ~25 min
Bake the rolls.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the risen rolls on the middle rack until golden brown on top and cooked through, 22 to 25 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 190°F.
TIPIf the tops brown too quickly before the centers are done, tent loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes. - rest · ~10 min
Cool slightly.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the rolls cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before glazing.
- mix · ~3 min
Beat the cream cheese glaze.
1.In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.2.Add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy.3.Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until the glaze is smooth and pourable.TIPSpread the glaze on while the rolls are still warm so it melts into all the swirls. - assemble · ~1 min
Glaze and serve.
Spread or drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a digital scale to weigh flour for consistent dough hydration.
- 2Let the dough rise in a turned-off oven with the light on for a draft-free environment.
- 3Use unflavored dental floss to slice the log cleanly without squishing the rolls.
- 4Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer — the center should reach 190°F.
- 5Spread the glaze while rolls are still warm so it seeps into every swirl.
- 6Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Whole-wheat
Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
veganVegan
Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg). Omit the cream cheese glaze or use a vegan cream cheese.
gluten freeGluten-free
Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum. Bake immediately after shaping to avoid over-rising.
apple cinnamonApple-cinnamon
Add 1/2 cup finely diced apple to the filling for a fruity twist and extra moisture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Calcium
Milk and cream cheese provide calcium for strong bones and teeth.
Energy from Carbs
The flour and sugars offer quick-release carbohydrates to fuel your morning.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, after the first rise, punch it down, wrap tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Shape and do the second rise the next morning.



