The Cinnamon Rolls Everyone Asks For

These are the cinnamon rolls I make for special occasion breakfasts and whenever family comes to visit. They’ve become such a tradition that when family is coming, they’re usually already asking if I’m making the cinnamon rolls. Soft, buttery, filled with brown sugar and cinnamon, and covered in homemade cream cheese frosting, this is one of the recipes I’m most proud to share.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to approximately 115°F
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup salted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, room temperature
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Start the dough. Pour the warm milk into the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the instant yeast and allow it to sit for 3–4 minutes.
2. Add the eggs, softened butter, and sugar. Mix until combined.
3. Add the flour and mix until a dough begins to form.
4. Using the dough hook, knead the dough for approximately 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise for about 30 minutes.
6. Make the filling. Combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you have a spreadable cinnamon-sugar mixture.
7. Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 12 inches wide.
8. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, going almost all the way to the edges.
9. Starting along the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into individual cinnamon rolls and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
10. Cover the baking dish and place the rolls in the refrigerator overnight.
11. The next morning, remove the cinnamon rolls from the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature until they’re puffy and have risen again.
12. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
13. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the rolls are lightly golden on top and baked through in the center.
14. Make the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until creamy.
15. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the cinnamon rolls while they’re still slightly warm. Add sprinkles if desired.

Baked & Brewed Tip

Preparing these the night before makes them perfect for slow mornings. Letting the shaped rolls rest overnight means all you have to do the next morning is let them get puffy, bake them, and cover them in cream cheese frosting.