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Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Easy Homemade Holiday Brunch Treats

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This homemade fluffy cinnamon rolls recipe delivers soft, tender dough with a comforting cinnamon-sugar filling, perfect for holiday brunch or any special morning treat. Easy to make with simple pantry staples and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 g)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (7 g)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (240 ml)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (56 g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • For the filling:
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (200 g)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (56 g)
  • For the cream cheese glaze (optional):
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (113 g)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk (30 ml)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk (110°F / 43°C), 1 tablespoon of sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
  2. Mix the dough: Add melted butter, remaining sugar, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add flour, about 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with dough hook on medium speed for 6 minutes. Dough should be soft but not sticky.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set softened butter aside.
  6. Roll out the dough: Punch down risen dough and roll out on floured surface into a 15×10 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over dough, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
  7. Form the rolls: Roll dough tightly from long edge into a log. Pinch seam to seal. Slice log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
  8. Second rise: Place rolls cut-side up in greased 9×13 inch pan, leaving space between. Cover loosely and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if tops brown too fast.
  10. Make the glaze: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
  11. Glaze and serve: Let rolls cool 10 minutes after baking, then drizzle glaze generously. Serve warm.

Notes

Use warm milk at about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Avoid adding too much flour during kneading to keep dough soft. Roll dough evenly for consistent baking. Let rolls rise fully for best fluffiness. Brush rolls with melted butter after baking for a shiny, soft crust. For dairy-free or vegan versions, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and eggs with flax eggs.

Nutrition

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