Name: Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 105 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 130 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup whole milk (warm); ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted); 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup brown sugar (packed); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened); 4 oz cream cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup powdered sugar

There’s nothing quite like the heavenly scent of Easy Cinnamon Rolls wafting through your kitchen, mixing aromas of sweet cinnamon and buttery goodness that envelop your senses. Imagine peeling back the layers of fluffy, warm dough, revealing a beautiful swirl of cinnamon sugar that practically whispers “eat me.” These delightful rolls aren’t just a treat; they are a fluffy moment of joy, perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or cozy gatherings.

Growing up, my fondest memories revolved around those chilly weekends when we would gather in the kitchen, flour flying everywhere, while my family and I attempted to recreate that magical bakery experience. Now, every time I whip up this Easy Cinnamon Rolls recipe, I’m transported back to those cherished moments, eagerly awaiting the rolls’ transformation in the oven. They may take a little time to make, but the ultimate reward is a batch of gooey sweetness that’s worth every second of waiting.

Why You'll Love This Easy Cinnamon Rolls

This incredible Easy Cinnamon Rolls transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Ingredients for Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Easy Cinnamon Rolls:

¾ cup whole milk – Use whole milk for richness; warmed to help activate the yeast.
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted) – Melt this to mix easily into the dough, ensuring a soft texture.
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast – This is your leavening agent to make the rolls fluffy and airy.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Helps feed the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
1 large egg – Adds richness and moisture to the rolls.
2½ cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of your dough; all-purpose flour gives the right texture.
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the rolls.
½ cup brown sugar (packed) – Used for the filling, offering a deep, caramel taste.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – The star player that provides the signature flavor.
¼ cup unsalted butter (softened) – Combine with brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
4 oz cream cheese – Essential for the rich, dreamy frosting that takes these rolls to the next level.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened) – Mix with cream cheese for a fluffy frosting.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to the frosting’s flavor.
¾ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting to creamy perfection.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Easy Cinnamon Rolls:

Step 1: Prepare the Milk Mixture
Warm ¾ cup whole milk and ¼ cup unsalted butter in a saucepan until the butter melts. Let this mixture cool down to lukewarm so it doesn’t kill the yeast.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk mixture with 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy, which means your yeast is alive and ready to work!

Step 3: Make the Dough
Add 1 large egg, 2½ cups all-purpose flour, and ½ teaspoon salt to the frothy yeast mixture. Mix well until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ cup softened butter to form a thick paste. This gooey goodness will create those delicious cinnamon swirls in your rolls!

Step 5: Roll and Slice
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 9×14-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly from the long side. Cut the rolled dough into 9 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Cover them up and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have puffed up, bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Frost the Rolls
While your rolls are baking, beat together 4 oz cream cheese, 2 tablespoons softened butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¾ cup powdered sugar until it’s fluffy and smooth. Once the rolls are out of the oven and warm, spread the irresistible frosting generously over the top.

When it’s time to serve, watch those Easy Cinnamon Rolls disappear in seconds, leaving behind nothing but happy faces and sticky fingers! They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of chilly milk. Enjoy the love, warmth, and laughter that naturally accompanies this delightful treat, and remember, it’s not just the rolls that are to be savored, but the moments we collect around them!

You Must Know About Easy Cinnamon Rolls This showstopping Easy Cinnamon Rolls delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Easy Cinnamon Rolls Cooking Process

To make the best Easy Cinnamon Rolls, start by preparing the dough and letting it rise while you create the filling. Once the rolls are shaped, allow them to rise again before baking for that perfect fluffy texture.

Add Your Touch to Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Feel free to customize your Easy Cinnamon Rolls by adding nuts, raisins, or even a touch of cocoa powder to the filling. You can also experiment with different frostings, like maple or vanilla bean, to elevate the flavors.

Storing & Reheating Easy Cinnamon Rolls

To store your Easy Cinnamon Rolls, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them and simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Easy Cinnamon Rolls

This professional-quality Easy Cinnamon Rolls relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

The first time I made Easy Cinnamon Rolls, my family couldn’t stop raving about them. The smiles and compliments around the breakfast table made all the effort worth it.

FAQs About Easy Cinnamon Rolls

What are Easy Cinnamon Rolls?

Easy Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat made from a simple dough that’s rolled with a sweet cinnamon filling and topped with cream cheese frosting. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating soft, fluffy rolls that melt in your mouth. The beauty of these rolls lies in their accessibility; you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry. Whether for breakfast or dessert, Easy Cinnamon Rolls turn a regular day into a celebration.

How long do Easy Cinnamon Rolls take to make?

The total time for making Easy Cinnamon Rolls is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. This includes 1 hour and 45 minutes of prep time, where you will knead the dough and allow it to rise, followed by 25 minutes of baking. Although they require some time, the result is surely worth the wait—warm, gooey rolls fresh from the oven.

Can I customize my Easy Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! The beauty of Easy Cinnamon Rolls is that you can add your personal touch. Consider incorporating nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips into the filling to elevate the flavor. You can also experiment with different frostings, like maple or vanilla bean, to match your tastes. The possibilities are nearly endless, making them even more irresistible.

How should I store my Easy Cinnamon Rolls?

To store your Easy Cinnamon Rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their soft texture. If you want to keep them for a longer period, refrigerate them. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the rolls in the microwave or oven until warm, ensuring they taste fresh and delicious.

Conclusion for Easy Cinnamon Rolls

In summary, Easy Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion, featuring a simple dough and luscious cream cheese frosting. With a total preparation time of just over two hours, these rolls are well worth the wait. The ability to customize fillings and frostings makes them versatile for your tastes. Embrace the joy of baking and treat yourself and loved ones to these delightful Easy Cinnamon Rolls, as they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.