Soft Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese or Vanilla Glaze
These cinnamon rolls are pillowy soft, loaded with buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, and finished with your choice of rich cream cheese frosting or a silky vanilla glaze. They’re everything a perfect cinnamon roll should be—warm, gooey in the center, lightly golden on the outside, and impossible to eat just one.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or anytime you want a bakery-style treat at home.
Ingredients
For the Dough
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¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
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2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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¼ cup melted butter
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½ teaspoon salt
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3½–4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Filling
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½ cup softened butter
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¾ cup brown sugar
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1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add egg, melted butter, and salt.
Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly on top.
Roll tightly from the long side into a log. Cut into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Step 3: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through. Do not overbake—soft centers are key.
Topping Options
Cream Cheese Frosting (Rich & Classic)
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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2 tablespoons butter, softened
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1½ cups powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1–2 tablespoons milk
Beat all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Spread generously over warm rolls.
Vanilla Glaze (Light & Sweet)
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1½ cups powdered sugar
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2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
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Dough should be soft, not stiff
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Use room-temperature butter for easy spreading
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Let rolls rise fully for fluffy texture
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Frost while warm so it melts into the rolls
Storage & Make-Ahead
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Store covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 4 days
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Reheat gently before serving
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Rolls can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose rich cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze, these cinnamon rolls deliver classic comfort in every bite. Soft, buttery, and warmly spiced, they’re the kind of treat people remember—and request again and again.