The Best Cinnamon Rolls ✨

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Transform your breakfast or dessert table with these irresistibly soft and gooey cinnamon rolls. Packed with warm spices and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing, this recipe is perfect for cozy gatherings and special occasions. These rolls are easy to make and will become a cherished favorite for your Thanksgiving festivities.

Daisy Webb

Created by

Daisy Webb

Last updated on 2025-11-29T16:37:12.651Z

Why These Cinnamon Rolls Are Special

These cinnamon rolls stand out due to their perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The soft dough absorbs the rich flavors of the cinnamon and brown sugar filling, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Each bite of these rolls is not just about indulgence; it's about enjoying the little moments of comfort that come with a warm pastry. From breakfast tables to afternoon coffee breaks, they add a special touch that elevates any gathering.

The incorporation of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg not only enhances the flavor but also fills your home with an inviting aroma while baking. It's hard to resist the nostalgic feelings that arise when you smell freshly baked cinnamon rolls. They transport you to cozy mornings with loved ones, making them perfect for Thanksgiving and holiday celebrations.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These cinnamon rolls are incredibly versatile. Whether you're serving them as part of a festive brunch or as a sweet treat after dinner, they won't disappoint. Their soft, gooey texture and decadent cream cheese icing make them a delightful choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or a simple weekend breakfast that feels special.

Not only do they appeal to a wide range of tastes, but they also offer a fun twist on traditional desserts. You can easily customize these rolls with different fillings like nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips, allowing you to create variations that suit your preferences and occasion perfectly. Each version is bound to impress your guests!

Tips for Making the Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly fluffy, be mindful of the dough's rising time. It's crucial to give the dough enough time to rise and double in size. A warm, draft-free environment works best, so consider placing it in the oven with just the light on or near a sunny window. Patience yields the most tender and airy rolls.

When rolling out the dough, aim for a uniform thickness of about 1/4 inch. This allows for even baking and makes it easier to spread the filling. After spreading out the filling, roll the dough tightly but not too tight, as this can cause the filling to seep out while baking. Properly cut slices are also essential—use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts without squishing the rolls.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs

Filling

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Cream Cheese Icing

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (to desired consistency)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually stir in flour until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.

Assemble the Rolls

Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 slices.

Bake the Rolls

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Prepare the Icing

While the rolls are baking, mix together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Set aside.

Ice the Rolls

Once baked, let the rolls cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese icing on top. Enjoy!

Storing and Reheating Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerating them can extend their freshness for about a week. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent drying out. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.

If you plan to make the rolls ahead of time, consider preparing the dough and filling a day in advance. Assemble the rolls and place them in the fridge overnight. They can rise slowly as they chill, and then you can bake them fresh in the morning, ensuring minimal effort when you're ready to enjoy them!

Variations and Customizations

While the classic cinnamon roll recipe is delightful, you can easily add your personal touch. Consider incorporating flavored extracts such as almond or maple for an exciting twist. You can also experiment with the icing, swapping out the cream cheese for a chocolate ganache or a simple vanilla glaze, creating a different flavor profile with each batch.

For a nutty crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling, or use a mix of dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. These simple adjustments not only enhance the flavor but also present a beautiful look for your baked goods. Let your creativity shine, and who knows? You might just stumble upon a new favorite variation!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

The Best Cinnamon Rolls ✨

Transform your breakfast or dessert table with these irresistibly soft and gooey cinnamon rolls. Packed with warm spices and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing, this recipe is perfect for cozy gatherings and special occasions. These rolls are easy to make and will become a cherished favorite for your Thanksgiving festivities.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time1 hour

Created by: Daisy Webb

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough

  1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  3. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon salt
  5. 1 cup milk, warmed
  6. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  7. 2 large eggs

Filling

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  3. 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  4. 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Cream Cheese Icing

  1. 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 1 cup powdered sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1-2 tablespoons milk (to desired consistency)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually stir in flour until a dough forms.

Step 02

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 03

In a bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.

Step 04

Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 slices.

Step 05

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 06

While the rolls are baking, mix together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Set aside.

Step 07

Once baked, let the rolls cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese icing on top. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Protein: 3g