Ultra-Soft Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Nothing beats the heavenly aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen! Soft, pillowy dough swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a velvety cream cheese icing. Save this recipe for your next cozy baking session! 🥐🍂

 * ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)

 * 1 packet (7g or 2¼ tsp) active dry or instant yeast

 * ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar

 * 2 large eggs, room temperature

 * ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

 * 4 cups (500g) all-purpose or bread flour

 * 1 tsp salt

 * ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

 * 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar (dark or light)

 * 2½ tbsp ground cinnamon

 * 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened

 * ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened

 * 1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar

 * 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

 * 1–2 tbsp warm milk or heavy cream (if needed for consistency)

1️⃣ Make the Dough

 * In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

 * Add the remaining sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Stir well.

 * Whisk in the salt and flour gradually. Using a dough hook (or by hand), knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky.

 * Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours (until doubled in size).

2️⃣ Roll & Shape

 * Punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.

 * Roll out into a large rectangle (approx. 12x18 inches / 30x45 cm).

 * Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, leaving a small border at the edges.

 * Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle generously over the buttered dough. Gently press the sugar mix into the butter.

 * Roll the dough tightly starting from the long edge.

 * Cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or unscented dental floss.

3️⃣ Second Rise & Bake

 * Place rolls in a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

 * Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

 * Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

 * Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown on top. (Optional baker's secret: pour ¼ cup of warm heavy cream over the rolls right before baking for extra moisture!)

4️⃣ Frost & Serve

 * While baking, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, whipping until fluffy.

 * Spread the frosting generously over the cinnamon rolls while they are still warm so it melts into every swirl!

💡 Baker’s Tip: Make these ahead of time! Assemble the rolls in the baking dish the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for 45 minutes before baking.

📌 Save this  so you don't lose it, and tag a friend who loves cinnamon rolls! 👇❤️