Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Pillowy soft cinnamon rolls with gooey filling and cream cheese frosting
By Sarah Mitchell • June 14, 2026
These homemade cinnamon rolls are pillowy soft, swirled with gooey cinnamon-brown sugar filling, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that melts into every crevice.
The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and milk for a tender, brioche-like texture. Don't skimp on the rise time — a full hour lets the yeast develop flavor.
Bake them touching in the pan so the sides stay soft and gooey. Frost while still warm.
About This Recipe
"Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls" is a Breakfast recipe that brings all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, warm milk and butter, softened together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Medium and ready in about 55 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 12 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The American inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (filling)
- 2 tbsp cinnamon (filling)
- 1/4 cup softened butter (filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese (frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla (frosting)
Instructions
- 1
Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes. Add butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Knead 5 minutes until smooth.
- 2
Let dough rise in a greased bowl, covered, for 1 hour until doubled.
- 3
Roll into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread with softened butter, then brown sugar and cinnamon.
- 4
Roll tightly from the long edge. Cut into 12 pieces. Place in a greased 9x13-inch pan. Let rise 30 minutes.
- 5
Bake at 350°F for 22-25 minutes until golden.
- 6
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla for frosting. Spread over warm rolls.
Expert Tips
For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. All-purpose flour is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Oven and stovetop work especially well for this preparation. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.
What To Serve With This
"Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls" is a versatile Breakfast dish that pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, toast or a warm croissant and classic American sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating before sealing the container. Reheat gently until warmed through, adding a small splash of liquid if needed to restore the original texture.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, for a total of roughly 55 minutes. It serves 12 and is rated Medium.
How do I store leftover Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls?
Store leftover Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.
Can I make Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving to preserve the best texture and flavor.
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