Name: The BEST Soft And Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ⅓ cup whole milk (320g); 4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or instant yeast); ½ cup granulated sugar (100g); 5 cups all purpose flour (650g); 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g); ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113g); 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200g); 2 tbsp cinnamon powder; ¾ tsp salt; ½ cup heavy cream (120g), room temperature; 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature (113g); ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (56g); ¼ cup heavy cream (60g); 1 cup icing sugar (100g)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

If you have a soft spot for warm, gooey cinnamon rolls that practically melt in your mouth, let me introduce you to The BEST Soft And Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. These cinnamon rolls are the perfect blend of pillowy soft dough, a sweet-spiced cinnamon sugar filling, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that ties it all together. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend brunch or an indulgent breakfast treat, this recipe delivers a bakery-worthy experience with easy-to-follow steps that anyone can master. Get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A smooth, pale yellow dough ball sits in the center of a black mixing bowl, with a soft and slightly puffy surface showing some gentle creases. The bowl has two small handles on opposite sides and contrasts with the light dough inside. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and bright look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping things simple with essential ingredients is the secret to these soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls. Each element plays a crucial role, from the creamy milk that gently nourishes the yeast, to the creamy butter that enriches the dough, ensuring every bite is perfectly tender and flavorful.

Whole milk (1 ⅓ cup): Warmed just enough to activate the yeast and create a tender crumb.
Active dry yeast (4 teaspoons): The magical ingredient that makes the dough rise beautifully and become soft.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
All-purpose flour (5 cups): The sturdy base that provides structure without weighing the rolls down.
Eggs (2 large): Bring richness and contribute to that soft, airy texture.
Salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the sweet and buttery notes, elevating the flavor.
Unsalted butter (½ cup for dough & ½ cup for filling): Adds moisture and that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Light brown sugar (1 cup): For the filling, giving a deep caramel sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Cinnamon powder (2 tablespoons): The heart of the flavor profile—aromatic and warming.
Heavy cream (½ cup for baking & ¼ cup for icing): Creates a rich, moist bake and a silky frosting.
Cream cheese (4 oz): Essential for the tangy-smooth frosting that crowns each roll.
Icing sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese icing to perfection.

How to Make The BEST Soft And Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming your whole milk until it’s pleasantly warm to the touch, around 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Whisk in the yeast and let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy—this shows the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on your dough.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Next, add sugar, flour, eggs, salt, and softened butter directly into the yeast mixture. You can mix by hand or with a stand mixer. If kneading by hand, be patient and use a push-pull motion for about 15 minutes until the dough feels soft, smooth, and stretchy—don’t shy away from a bit of stickiness at first! A stand mixer with a dough hook will get you the same silky dough in 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough in an oiled bowl, cover it tightly, and let it rest in a cozy warm spot for 60 to 90 minutes. During this time, the dough will double in size and become wonderfully airy, ready to be transformed into rolls.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. If the mixture feels too firm, a quick zap in the microwave softens it so spreading is effortless—this makes the flavors nice and even when layered.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough and gently roll it out to a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface, then slice the dough into twelve 1-inch wide strips. Roll each strip tight and arrange in a lined 9×13-inch pan. Don’t rush this step—the gentle touch preserves that delicate softness.

Step 6: Second Rise

Allow the rolls to puff up once more for about 30 to 45 minutes. They should look plump and spring back lightly when you press them. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready for baking.

Step 7: Bake with Cream

Pour ½ cup of heavy cream over the rolls just before baking, a lovely trick that keeps them ultra-moist inside after baking. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until lightly golden and firm to the touch, but still soft and gooey on the inside.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Icing and Frost

Whisk cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, and icing sugar together until smooth and creamy. Spread generously on the warm cinnamon rolls for that irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve The BEST Soft And Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

A soft cinnamon roll with three visible layers of light golden brown dough, swirled with dark cinnamon filling, topped generously with a smooth, creamy white icing that slightly drips over the edges. The roll sits on a white plate with a subtle scalloped edge, placed on a white marbled surface. To the right of the plate, a gold fork rests with its prongs touching the plate. Near the bottom right corner, two cinnamon sticks lie closely together on the surface. In the blurred background, a bowl with cinnamon powder and a white cloth are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

If you want to add an extra flourish, consider a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese icing. Fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of caramel can also elevate the presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon rolls are a star on their own, but pairing them with fresh fruit like berries or a cup of hot coffee or chai tea makes a delightful breakfast or brunch spread. A simple scrambled egg or yogurt bowl balances out the sweetness marvelously.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, place the cinnamon rolls in individual ramekins and add a dollop of whipped cream. Or for a crowd-pleaser, serve them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra cream cheese frosting, honey, or fresh fruit compotes on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cinnamon rolls fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To preserve that soft texture, avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out.

Freezing

If you want to save these heavenly rolls for later, freeze them before the second rise or after baking and cooling completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy your cinnamon rolls later, warm them gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel to restore softness without drying out the dough.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! Instant yeast can be used directly in the flour mixture without proofing. Just reduce the rising time slightly since it works faster.

What if I don’t have brown sugar for the filling?

You can substitute light brown sugar with white sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses for similar richness and moisture.

How do I know when the dough is kneaded enough?

The dough should be smooth, elastic, and pass the “window-pane test” where you can stretch a small piece thin without it tearing.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute milk with plant-based milk, eggs with flax eggs, and butter with vegan margarine. The texture may vary slightly but still deliciously soft.

Is it necessary to pour cream over the rolls before baking?

Pouring cream adds extra moisture and richness to the rolls, helping keep them soft and tender. It’s highly recommended for the best results.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about making The BEST Soft And Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe from scratch, filling your home with sweet cinnamon aroma and creating moments that bring people together. This recipe is your ticket to fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth rolls with effortless steps and stunning results. So grab your ingredients, don a favorite apron, and make some magic happen in your kitchen—you deserve every delicious bite!