The World’s Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These cinnamon rolls are famously known as the world’s best for a reason. Soft, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon and sugar, they’re topped with a rich cream cheese glaze that makes each bite irresistible. Perfect for weekend breakfasts or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 3 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Whole Milk (divided)
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (plus 1 teaspoon)
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1/2 teaspoon Instant Dry Yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Egg
• 3 tablespoons Butter (for brushing)
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
• 1/3 cup Butter (for filling)
• 4 ounces Cream Cheese
• 4 tablespoons Butter (for glaze)
• 1 cup Powdered Confectioners Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, sprinkle the instant dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar over 1/4 cup of warm whole milk. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Step 3: In a standing mixer, combine the yeast mixture, egg, 1/4 cup butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix well until smooth.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the mixer, mixing slowly as you add each portion, until a dough forms.
5. Step 5: Lightly oil a plastic bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about one hour, until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: After rising, turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangular shape.
7. Step 7: Evenly spread 1/3 cup butter over the rolled dough. Then sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly on top.
8. Step 8: Roll the dough tightly into a log shape and cut it into 14 to 16 equal slices. Arrange the rolls in a baking pan, cover with plastic, and let them rest for 30 minutes.
9. Step 9: Brush the tops of the rolls with 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
10. Step 10: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until golden brown.
11. Step 11: While baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze by mixing cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Then whisk in powdered sugar, remaining whole milk, and vanilla extract until creamy.
12. Step 12: Once baked, pour the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra fluffiness, let the dough rise twice before baking.
• Substitute half the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon-sugar filling for added texture and flavor.
• Use light brown sugar instead of dark for a milder caramel flavor in the filling.
• Make the glaze thinner by adding a splash more milk if you like a more pourable topping.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze unglazed rolls tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving and add fresh glaze if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and allow it to rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise again before rolling and baking.

What if I don’t have a standing mixer?

You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It may take a bit more effort, but it works well. Just be sure to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.

The World’s Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 76 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 14 to 16 cinnamon rolls 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These World’s Best Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling. Topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze, they make a perfect sweet breakfast treat or dessert that everyone will love.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 3 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Whole Milk
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1/2 teaspoon Instant Dry Yeast
• 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Egg

Filling Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon

Glaze Ingredients

• 1/3 cup Butter
• 4 ounces Cream Cheese
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 1 cup Powdered Confectioners Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 cup Whole Milk

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) to prepare for baking the cinnamon rolls.
2. Activate Yeast: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon instant dry yeast and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar over 1/4 cup whole milk, mix gently, and let it sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a standing mixer, combine the activated yeast mixture, 1 egg, 1/4 cup butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the mixer, mixing steadily until a smooth dough forms.
5. First Rise: Lightly oil a plastic bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
6. Roll Out Dough: After rising, place the dough onto a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll it out into a rectangular shape.
7. Add Filling: Spread 1/3 cup butter evenly over the rolled dough. Then sprinkle a mixture of 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon and 1 cup brown sugar over the buttered surface.
8. Form Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Slice the log into 14 to 16 even slices. Place these slices into a greased baking pan.
9. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise for about 30 minutes until puffy.
10. Prepare for Baking: Brush the tops of the rolls with 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
11. Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
12. Make Glaze: While the rolls bake, in a mixing bowl combine 4 ounces cream cheese and 4 tablespoons butter, mixing until smooth. Whisk in 1 cup powdered confectioners sugar, 1/4 cup whole milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until creamy.
13. Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, pour the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. Serve warm for the best flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) when activating yeast to help yeast work effectively.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
• For fluffier rolls, avoid adding too much flour when rolling dough.
• Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for a smoother glaze.
• Roll thickness can be adjusted based on preferred cinnamon roll size.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, cinnamon sugar rolls, cream cheese glaze, homemade cinnamon rolls, sweet rolls, breakfast pastry