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The BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: Ultra Soft, Fluffy, and Gooey with Cream Cheese Icing

A close-up, tempting shot of a soft cinnamon bun drizzled with thick white icing, resting on a white plate.
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Create bakery-style cinnamon rolls that are incredibly soft, fluffy, and packed with a gooey cinnamon filling. This recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth texture and is topped with a rich cream cheese icing, making it the best homemade cinnamon rolls you will ever eat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one standard packet)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon for yeast
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For the Filling:
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • For the Cream Cheese Icing:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix Dough: Add the remaining ½ cup of sugar, eggs, melted butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a dough hook on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed to medium-low and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise (Quick Rise): Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 45 to 60 minutes, or until doubled in size. This single rise method keeps the process quick.
  4. Prepare Filling: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.
  5. Roll Out Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
  6. Spread Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small half-inch border on one long edge.
  7. Shape Rolls: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed.
  8. Cut Rolls: Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal pieces, about 1.5 inches thick.
  9. Second Rise: Arrange the cut rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover loosely and let them rest for 20 to 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
  11. Make Icing: While the rolls bake, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract and milk until the icing is creamy and spreadable.
  12. Frost and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven. Immediately spread the warm cream cheese icing generously over the hot cinnamon buns. Serve warm for the best gooey texture.

Notes

  • For extra soft homemade rolls, cover the baked rolls with foil for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven before icing. This traps steam and keeps them moist.
  • If you prefer a stickier, more decadent result, slightly increase the butter in the filling mixture.
  • This recipe uses active dry yeast for a quick rise, making it an easy yeast rolls recipe ready in under 2 hours total time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/soft-gooey-cinnamon-buns-recipe-from-scratch/