Cinnamon rolls—those warm, soft, fluffy spirals of dough, generously slathered in sweet icing. They’re the kind of treat that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are. If you’ve ever walked past a bakery and been drawn in by the irresistible scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, you know exactly what I mean. Today, I’m going to share with you a recipe for cinnamon rolls that’s not just any recipe. It’s the best cinnamon roll recipe you’ll ever try. Trust me on this one—I’ve made plenty of cinnamon rolls in my time, but these are next-level.
So, grab your apron and get ready for a baking experience that will fill your kitchen with heavenly smells and end with the most mouthwatering cinnamon rolls. But first, let me share why this recipe is truly the best—and why you should give it a try.
Why These Cinnamon Rolls Are the Best
There’s something about cinnamon rolls that makes them so much more than just a breakfast pastry. They’re comforting, decadent, and perfect for any occasion. But what sets these cinnamon rolls apart from the rest?
First of all, they’re incredibly fluffy. You know those cinnamon rolls that are dense and doughy? Yeah, we’re not doing that here. These rolls are light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft. I’m talking about a texture that’s so perfect, you’ll wonder if you’re eating a cloud.
Second, the filling is pure bliss. The combination of butter, cane sugar, honey, and cinnamon creates the ultimate swirl of flavor. And the secret ingredient? A bit of cream to make the filling spreadable and gooey. It’s that extra touch that makes all the difference.
Lastly, the frosting. Oh, the frosting. This isn’t just any cream cheese frosting; it’s velvety, smooth, and perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness. When you drizzle it over the warm cinnamon rolls, it turns into a heavenly glaze that takes these rolls over the top.
If that doesn’t convince you to try this recipe, I don’t know what will. But enough with the talk—let’s get to baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the dough:
- 600g flour (type 550)
- 300ml lukewarm milk
- 7g dry yeast (or half a cube of fresh yeast)
- 110g melted butter
- 80g icing sugar
- 25g sugar
- Vanilla (to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
For the filling:
- 110g soft butter
- 200g cane sugar
- 70g blossom honey
- 2.5 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cream (only if the mixture is too thick)
For the frosting:
- 175g Philadelphia cream cheese
- 80g soft butter
- 80g icing sugar
- 40-50ml cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough
The first step is to activate the yeast. This is a crucial part of the process, as it ensures your cinnamon rolls rise properly. Warm up the milk in a pot, but make sure it’s not too hot—just lukewarm. Add the yeast to the milk, stir briefly, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This will give the yeast time to activate and bubble up.
Next, take a large bowl and add the flour. Make a well in the center and add the liquid ingredients (the yeast-milk mixture, melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt). Then, gently stir everything together, adding flour as needed. Once the ingredients are combined, knead the dough until it’s soft but not sticky. This might take around 8-10 minutes. If you feel the dough is too sticky, add just a bit more flour—but be careful not to add too much, as this can affect the fluffiness of the rolls.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. You can speed up this process by placing the bowl in an oven set to 50°C (122°F) for 20 minutes. Make sure the dough is covered, so it rises in a sealed environment.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, take the soft butter and beat it until it turns from dark yellow to light yellow. This step is important because it makes the filling spreadable and light. Once the butter has changed color, add the cane sugar, honey, cinnamon, and a bit of cream (if the mixture is too thick). Mix everything until it forms a smooth, homogeneous paste.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once your dough has doubled in size, it’s time to punch it down and roll it out. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a square that’s about 0.5 cm thick. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just aim for an even thickness.
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) with top/bottom heat, so it’s ready for the rolls when you’re done preparing them.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Now comes the fun part—spreading the filling! Take the prepared cinnamon filling and spread it evenly over the rolled-out dough. Make sure the filling goes all the way to the edges so that each roll has that delicious swirl.
Step 5: Roll Up the Dough
Once the filling is spread, it’s time to roll up the dough. Carefully start rolling from one side, keeping it tight but not too tight. Here’s a neat trick I use—get a piece of sewing thread (yes, you heard that right!) and use it to cut the rolls evenly. Just slide the thread underneath the roll, pull it across, and you’ll have perfect pieces every time.
Step 6: Let the Rolls Rise Again
Place the cinnamon rolls in a baking tin, preferably a glass or ceramic dish, and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. During this time, they’ll rise again, getting even fluffier. Before you bake them, pour a little cream into the bottom of the tin to keep them soft and moist while baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Now it’s time to bake! Place the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them—once they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven, they’re ready to come out.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
While the rolls are baking, it’s time to make the frosting. In a bowl, mix the softened butter and Philadelphia cream cheese until smooth. Then, sift in the powdered sugar and add the cream. Whisk everything together until you have a velvety-smooth frosting.
Step 9: Frost the Rolls
As soon as the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, let them cool slightly (but not completely). When they’re still warm, generously drizzle the frosting over the rolls. It will melt just slightly, creating a gooey, sweet glaze that will make you want to eat them immediately.
Step 10: Enjoy the Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever
That’s it! You’ve just made the best cinnamon rolls of your life. Soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. The combination of the rich cinnamon filling, the sweet frosting, and the perfectly baked dough is absolutely irresistible.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls Every Time
- Don’t rush the dough rising process: Letting the dough rise properly is key to fluffy rolls. If you’re in a hurry, don’t compromise on this step.
- Use fresh yeast: If you can, opt for fresh yeast rather than dry yeast. It gives the dough an extra boost of fluffiness.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling the night before. Simply cover it and let it rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just roll it out, slice it, and bake!
- Add a pinch of salt to the frosting: It may seem unusual, but a small pinch of salt in the frosting helps balance out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Experiment with fillings: While this recipe is delicious as-is, feel free to play with the filling. Add chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate for a fun twist.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve tried so many cinnamon roll recipes over the years, but this one is hands down my favorite. The dough is incredibly soft, and the filling is just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Plus, the frosting is the perfect finishing touch. Every time I make these cinnamon rolls, they disappear in no time.
Whether I’m baking them for a weekend breakfast, a special occasion, or just because I’m craving something sweet, they never disappoint. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do!
Your Turn to Try These Cinnamon Rolls!
Now that you have the recipe, I want to hear from you! Have you made cinnamon rolls before? What’s your secret to perfecting them? Or if this is your first time, let me know how they turn out! I’d love to see your creations and hear all about your experience. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below!
Happy baking, and enjoy these delicious cinnamon rolls!