Go Back
Easy cinnamon rolls from scratch 2025 11 24 154410 150x150

Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious, soft, and fluffy cinnamon rolls topped with creamy icing, perfect for brunch or dessert.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 and 3/4 cups 2 and 3/4 cups (344g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk Warm, about 110°F (43°C)
  • 3 Tablespoons 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter Melted
  • 2 and 1/4 teaspoons 2 and 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast or instant yeast 1 standard packet
  • 1 large 1 large egg, at room temperature

Filling Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, extra softened
  • 1/3 cup 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

Icing Ingredients

  • 4 ounces 4 ounces (113g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 Tablespoons 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2/3 cup 2/3 cup (80g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together. Set aside.
  • In a heatproof bowl, combine the milk and butter. Microwave or heat on the stove until the butter melts and the mixture is warm (about 110°F/43°C).
  • Whisk in the yeast until dissolved. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, add the egg, and stir using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-5 minutes until smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover loosely, and let it rest for about 10 minutes.

Rolling and Rising

  • After 10 minutes, roll the dough into a rectangle (14x8 inches). Spread the softened butter on top, then mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together and sprinkle over the dough.
  • Roll the dough into a log and cut into 10-12 even rolls. Place them in a greased 9 or 10-inch round cake pan or baking dish.
  • Cover the pan and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size.

Baking

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 24-27 minutes until lightly browned. If they brown too fast, tent with foil.
  • When done, remove from the oven and cool slightly.

Icing and Serving

  • To make the icing, beat the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth. Mix in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla.
  • Spread the icing over the warm rolls and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, ensure the milk is warm when activating the yeast. Dough resting time is crucial for texture. You can make the dough ahead and let it rise in the fridge overnight.
Keyword Baking, Cinnamon Rolls, Desserts, Easy Cinnamon Rolls, Homemade Pastries