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Ultimate Soft and Gooey Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

A close-up of a soft, freshly baked cinnamon bun with thick white icing, showing a bite taken out to reveal the fluffy interior.
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Make soft, fluffy, and gooey cinnamon rolls using a simple one-rise method, topped with rich cream cheese frosting. This recipe delivers bakery-style results for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus 1/2 cup softened for filling
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in the melted butter, remaining granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the yeast mixture.
  3. Add the flour and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. While the dough rises, prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
  6. Punch down the risen dough gently. Roll the dough out into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
  7. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge.
  8. Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed.
  9. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
  10. Cover the pan loosely and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F during the last 10 minutes of the second rise.
  11. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons softened butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
  13. Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For extra gooey rolls, slightly underbake them by 2 minutes.
  • If you prefer a stickier bottom, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with 1/4 cup brown sugar and pour into the bottom of the pan before placing the rolls in.
  • Use room temperature eggs for better dough structure.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorandpin.com/ultimate-soft-gooey-cinnamon-buns-recipe/