Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls – Soft & Gooey

These easy homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with warm cinnamon sugar. Topped with a creamy icing, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of the day.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 1/4 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (7 g) instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm milk
• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Cinnamon Filling

• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until roughly doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

Step 5: Shape the Cinnamon Rolls

Roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 12 × 16 inches.

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from the long side, then cut it into approximately 12 equal rolls.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the cinnamon rolls for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

Beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth.

Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then mix until creamy. Add 1–2 tablespoons of milk until the icing reaches your preferred consistency.

Step 9: Add the Icing

Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly, then spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls.

Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Soft and Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

• Use warm milk, not hot milk.
• Avoid adding too much flour; a soft dough helps produce softer rolls.
• Give the dough enough time to rise.
• Avoid overbaking the cinnamon rolls.
• For convenience, you can prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate them, and bake them the following morning.

How to Store Cinnamon Rolls

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container. Because these rolls use cream cheese icing, refrigerating leftovers is the safer choice if they will not be eaten promptly. Reheat individual rolls briefly before serving if you prefer them warm.

A Cozy Homemade Treat

Warm homemade cinnamon rolls are a wonderful choice for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or a cozy weekend treat. The combination of fluffy dough, cinnamon-brown sugar filling, and creamy icing makes this classic bake especially comforting.