Soft Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls Frosting

There is nothing like pulling apart a pan of warm cinnamon rolls and watching the gooey swirls unravel. This recipe makes the softest and fluffiest cinnamon rolls ever, layered with rich brown sugar cinnamon filling and crowned with dreamy cream cheese frosting. They are a breakfast treat, brunch favorite, and comforting dessert all in one.

I first baked these cinnamon rolls for a cozy Sunday brunch after a long week. The first bite instantly made them a family favorite—they are now requested at nearly every special breakfast.

Ingredients

• Bread flour: helps the rolls come out extra tender and airy choose a high protein brand if you can
• Granulated sugar: gives the dough a gentle sweetness and softness
• Rapid rise instant yeast: works quickly and gives a great lift look for fresh packets with a reliable expiration date
• Whole milk warmed: is key for activating yeast always check it is just warm to touch
• Butter: melted for the dough and softened for filling and frosting always use fresh creamy butter for richness
• Egg at room temperature: binds the dough and adds softness
• Vanilla extract: gives the rolls fragrant bakery flavor choose pure vanilla for best results
• Salt: balances out the sweetness and rounds out the dough
• Brown sugar for filling: creates that gooey caramel flavor pick dark brown for extra molasses depth
• Ground cinnamon: the highlight of the filling use a fresh and fragrant cinnamon
• Powdered sugar: makes the cream cheese frosting smooth sift before using for lump free results
• Cream cheese: tangy and creamy spreadable consistency at room temperature is a must
• Heavy cream optional: for that over the top melt in your mouth gooeyness like bakery style rolls
• Tips: always use room temperature dairy and proof your yeast if you are unsure it is active

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough:

Warm the milk to just about 110F and be sure it does not feel hot to the touch. Melt the butter and let it cool a bit. In a large bowl combine the egg sugar vanilla warm milk and melted butter. Sprinkle the instant yeast on top and let it bloom for a few minutes. Add bread flour and salt. Mix with a dough hook on medium low speed for 5 to 8 minutes until a smooth dough ball forms that cleans the sides of the bowl.

First Rise:

Cover the bowl tightly using plastic wrap and a towel to keep the dough moist and draft free. Let it rise for about an hour or until the dough has doubled in size. This stage is crucial for developing light fluffy texture.

Prepare the Pan and Filling:

Generously butter a 9x13 baking dish to prevent sticking. In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly so there are no lumps.

Shape the Rolls:

Transfer the risen dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin into a large rectangle about 12 inches by 18 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly right to the edges for every bite to be rich. Scatter the cinnamon sugar filling over the buttered dough and gently press it in with your hands. Begin at the long edge and roll the dough into a tight log for more smaller rolls or the short side for fewer larger rolls. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice cleanly.

Arrange and Second Rise:

Nestle the cut rolls close together in the buttered pan so they support each other as they rise and bake. Cover again with plastic wrap and a towel. Set aside somewhere warm to puff up for 30 to 45 minutes until they look pillowy and very soft.

Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350F. If you want extra gooey rolls pour a bit of heavy cream between them before baking. Bake for about 28 to 32 minutes until the tops are deep golden brown but the centers are still tender.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

While the rolls cool for just 10 minutes beat together the room temperature butter and cream cheese until very creamy. Add vanilla and powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Drizzle in a bit of milk until it reaches a nice thick but spreadable consistency. Slather generously over the warm rolls and enjoy right away for the ultimate meltdown experience.

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The cinnamon is always my favorite part because it fills the whole house with that cozy bakery aroma. One time my nephew walked in during baking and said it “smells like a hug” which is basically why I make them so often.

Storage Tips

Cinnamon rolls keep best covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To freeze wrap each roll individually in plastic and store them together in a freezer bag. Defrost overnight and warm gently before serving so they taste freshly baked.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use all purpose flour instead of bread flour though the texture will be just a bit less chewy. For a dairy free option swap out milk and butter for your favorite plant based versions and use vegan cream cheese in the frosting. Try coconut sugar in the filling for a subtle twist or add chopped pecans for a crunchy finish.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are fantastic on their own but for brunch add a bowl of fresh berries and a pot of strong coffee. If serving for dessert a drizzle of extra cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes them even more decadent. For holiday mornings arrange them in a wreath shape before baking for a festive touch.

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Cultural Context

Cinnamon rolls have roots all over Northern Europe but they are especially linked to Swedish fika culture which celebrates coffee breaks and baked treats with friends. In my family cinnamon rolls mean warmth and coziness for chilly mornings and they are a non negotiable for Thanksgiving and Christmas breakfast.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get my cinnamon rolls extra soft and fluffy?

Use bread flour for added structure, let the dough rise sufficiently, and warm the milk—not hot—to help the yeast create a light, airy texture.

→ Can I substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works well if you don't have bread flour; the rolls will still be tender but may be slightly less chewy.

→ What does pouring cream over the rolls do?

Pouring heavy cream over the rolls before baking makes them extra gooey and adds a rich, Cinnabon-style texture to each bite.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Roll the dough tightly and limit overfilling. Make sure the butter is softened—not melted—when spreading over the dough to keep the filling in place.

→ How can I get smooth cream cheese frosting?

Use room temperature butter and cream cheese, and beat with powdered sugar and milk until completely smooth for a velvety finish.

→ How should cinnamon rolls be stored?

Keep rolls tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Rewarm before serving for best texture.