Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls (Soft, Gooey & Better Than Bakery!)

If there’s one recipe that instantly makes your kitchen smell like heaven, it’s homemade cinnamon rolls. Soft, pillowy dough… warm cinnamon sugar filling… and a silky cream cheese frosting melting on top. These rolls are perfect for lazy weekends, brunch with friends, or when you just need a little comfort food moment.

This recipe is designed to be easy, foolproof, and ultra-soft, even if you’re not a baking pro. The secret? A well-hydrated dough, proper resting time, and just the right baking temperature.

Cinnamon rolls 

Ingredients

For the dough:

 - 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour

 - 2 ¼ tsp dry yeast

 - ¼ cup (50 g) sugar

 - ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk

 - 1 egg

 - ⅓ cup (75 g) melted butter

 - ½ tsp salt

For the filling:

 - ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar

 - 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

 - ⅓ cup (75 g) soft butter

For the frosting:

 - ½ cup (120 g) cream cheese

 - 2 tbsp butter

 - ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar

 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

 How to Make Soft Cinnamon Rolls

1- Activate the yeast

Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2- Make the dough

Add egg, butter, salt, and flour. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3- Let it rise

Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.

4- Roll & fill

Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread soft butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly.

5- Shape the rolls

Roll tightly and cut into 9–12 rolls. Place in a baking dish.

6- Second rise

Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy.

7- Bake

Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 18–22 minutes until golden.

8- Frost while warm

Mix frosting ingredients and spread over warm rolls for that dreamy melt 

 Pro Tips for Bakery-Style Results

- Don’t add too much flour – soft dough = soft rolls

- Warm milk, not hot – yeast dies above 45°C / 113°F

- Let them rise fully – under-proofed rolls = dense texture

- Cover with foil if browning too fast

 

Variations You Can Try

- Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls – add chocolate chips to the filling

- Orange Rolls – add orange zest to the dough

- Vegan Version – swap milk for plant milk, butter for margarine