There’s something deeply comforting about a warm tray of cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are soft, buttery, and swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon — all finished with a silky cream cheese icing that melts into every crevice. Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or a holiday morning tradition, these rolls bring that unmistakable scent of comfort and joy to your kitchen.

They’re the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again — impressive enough for Christmas morning yet simple enough for a Sunday treat. With just a few pantry staples, a quick-rise dough, and a little rolling, you’ll have fluffy cinnamon rolls that taste like they came straight from a bakery.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bakery-style results at home: Perfectly soft and gooey rolls without complicated steps.
Simple, accessible ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
Make-ahead option: Prep them the night before for a stress-free morning bake.
Silky cream cheese icing: Smooth, sweet, and just tangy enough to balance the richness.
Holiday and weekend friendly: A recipe that feels special but fits into everyday life.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough:

4½–5 cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 packets (about 4½ tsp) rapid-rise yeast
1 tsp salt
1½ cups warm water
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1 large egg

For the Filling:

¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Warm the butter and water in the microwave for 30–45 seconds until just warm to the touch. Stir into the dry ingredients along with the egg, mixing until combined. Add more flour gradually until a soft, tacky dough forms. Knead for 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let It Rise Shape the dough into a ball, cover with a towel, and let rest in a warm place for 10 minutes to relax the gluten and begin rising.
Shape the Rolls Roll the dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle. Spread butter evenly across the dough, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top, and gently press the filling into the surface. Roll tightly from the long side into a log and slice into 12 even rolls using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife.
Proof and Bake Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and fluffy.
Make the Icing Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy. Spread over warm rolls so the icing melts slightly into each swirl.

Chef Emma’s Cozy Baking Tips

Quick warm rise: Proof your dough in a slightly warmed (but turned-off) oven to speed up rising on cool mornings.
Don’t overbake: Cinnamon rolls should be lightly golden on top — they’ll continue to cook as they cool.
Extra gooey center: Pour a little heavy cream over the rolls before baking for a bakery-style texture.
Holiday-ready: Make the rolls the night before and bake fresh in the morning — your kitchen will smell amazing.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Overnight option: Assemble rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature and bake as directed.
Freezing: Baked rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes, then frost.
Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5.

Nutrition Info (per roll)

Calories: 310
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugars: 18g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 210mg

Final Thoughts

These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are everything cozy mornings and holidays should taste like — soft, fluffy, gooey, and glazed to perfection. From the first swirl of cinnamon to the last creamy bite, they’re pure homemade happiness. Save this bakery-perfect recipe to your Pinterest board today — it’s comfort and joy rolled into one.