Who can resist the warm, gooey comfort of freshly baked cinnamon rolls? This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls from scratch. Perfect for breakfast or as an indulgent snack, these rolls are filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze. Whether you're an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress.
Prepare the Dough. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Combine the yeast mixture with the dry ingredients, then add the melted butter and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Filling. While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl to create the filling.
Assemble the Rolls. After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12x18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long edge. Cut the log into 12 even pieces.
Second Rise and Bake. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze. While the rolls bake, whisk together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
For extra soft rolls, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for more texture and flavor. Let the rolls cool slightly before glazing to prevent the icing from melting too much. If you’re short on time, you can make the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight.