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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

These homemade cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft, tender, and filled with a buttery cinnamon sugar swirl, then finished with a smooth cream cheese glaze. They’re easy to make from scratch and perfect for cozy mornings, holidays, and special family moments.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

Filling

  • 1/2 cup salted butter melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup salted butter softened
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Dough

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, and egg.
  • Add flour and mix on low speed using a dough hook.
  • Increase to medium speed once dough begins to form. Add flour as needed until dough is soft, slightly tacky, and pulls away from the bowl.
  • Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

Assembly

  • Grease a 9x13 baking pan.
  • Punch down dough and roll into a 12x18-inch rectangle.
  • Brush with melted butter.
  • Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over butter.
  • Roll dough tightly lengthwise into a log.
  • Cut into 12 equal slices using dental floss or a sharp knife.
  • Place rolls in prepared pan, cover, and let rise 30–45 minutes.

Baking

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  • Bake rolls for about 14 minutes, until lightly golden on top.

Glaze

  • While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
  • Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then milk until glaze reaches drizzle consistency.
  • Frost rolls while warm. Serve immediately or allow to cool.

Notes

  • Milk Temperature: Warm, not hot, to activate yeast properly.
  • Soft Dough Is Key: Slightly tacky dough ensures fluffy rolls.
  • Overnight Option: Prepare rolls, refrigerate overnight, bake fresh in the morning.
  • Storage: Store covered at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating: Warm briefly in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.