Soft, pillowy clouds of dough swirling with warm cinnamon sugar—that’s exactly what greets you when you pull these fluffy cinnamon rolls out of the oven. There’s something so comforting about the way the dough rises to perfection, each roll gently pressing against its neighbor as they bake, promising a tender crumb with every bite. Topped with a velvety cream cheese glaze that melts into every nook and cranny, these rolls bring together the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy weekend breakfast or sneaking a late-night treat, they never fail to brighten the moment with their homey charm.
Every step of this recipe is designed for beginner bakers who want mouthwatering results without feeling overwhelmed. From proofing the yeast in warm milk to gently kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, you’ll find each stage straightforward yet deeply rewarding. With just 30 minutes of hands-on preparation, 30 minutes of baking, and a couple of hours of rising time, you’ll end up with a dozen lush, aromatic rolls that clock in at around 400 calories each—perfectly portioned for sharing or savoring on your own. Ready to dive into cinnamon-scented bliss? Let’s roll!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN FLUFFY CINNAMON ROLLS WITH CREAMY GLAZE
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s take a look at the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating rolls that are tender, flavorful, and topped with a silky glaze that elevates every bite.
- Warm milk
Acts as the ideal environment to activate the yeast, ensuring a soft and tender crumb. The warmth helps the yeast bloom into frothy bubbles that make the dough rise beautifully.
- Active dry yeast
The leavening powerhouse that gives our dough its lofty height. It feeds on sugars to release gas, creating those airy pockets you love.
- Granulated sugar
Feeds the yeast during proofing and balances flavors in the dough, adding just the right touch of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter
Adds richness and moisture to the dough, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Used in both the dough and filling for maximum buttery flavor.
- Salt
Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity so the dough doesn’t overproof.
- Eggs
Provide structure, lift, and richness, binding ingredients together for a smooth, elastic dough.
- All-purpose flour
The backbone of our rolls, giving them structure while still allowing for that signature fluffiness.
- Brown sugar
Brings deep, caramel notes to the filling and pairs perfectly with cinnamon for a gooey, sweet interior.
- Ground cinnamon
Infuses every bite with warm, spicy goodness that defines a classic cinnamon roll.
- Cream cheese
Forms the base of our creamy glaze, adding tangy richness and a velvety finish.
- Powdered sugar
Sweetens and thickens the glaze, ensuring it drapes beautifully over each roll.
- Vanilla extract
Rounds out the glaze with floral, aromatic notes that marry with the cream cheese.
- Milk
Thins the glaze to a pourable consistency, ensuring it seeps into every swirl.
HOW TO MAKE FLUFFY CINNAMON ROLLS WITH CREAMY GLAZE
Now that our ingredients are prepped and ready, let’s walk through creating these irresistible rolls from scratch. You’ll master each stage—from proofing the yeast to glazing the freshly baked swirls—guaranteeing soft, gooey results every time.
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and a tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy, signaling that the yeast is alive and kicking.
2. Add the melted unsalted butter, the remaining granulated sugar, salt, and room-temperature eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes, working until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for the same amount of time.
5. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle, ensuring an even thickness throughout.
8. Spread the softened butter for the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture over the butter layer.
9. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough log-style. Use a sharp knife to cut it into 12–15 equal slices, each about 1–1.5 inches thick.
10. Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the prepared baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes, or until they puff up and nearly double in size.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the tops turn a warm golden brown.
12. While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until you achieve a creamy, pourable consistency.
13. Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for 5–10 minutes before spreading the glaze over the top so it melts into each swirl.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR FLUFFY CINNAMON ROLLS WITH CREAMY GLAZE
These cinnamon rolls are delightful on their own, but elevating the experience with thoughtful serving touches can turn breakfast or dessert into a memorable occasion. Serve them while they’re still slightly warm, allowing the glaze to glisten and seep into the soft spirals of dough. Pair each plate with complementary flavors and textures that highlight the rich, buttery, and spicy elements of the rolls.
- Pair with a steaming latte or dark roast coffee to balance the sweetness and bring out the warm cinnamon notes. The slight bitterness of the coffee accentuates the rolls’ sugary swirls.
- Serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries—think raspberries or sliced strawberries—for a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy glaze and buttery dough.
- Dust the tops with a light sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a fine cocoa powder right before serving. This simple touch adds visual flair and deepens the flavor profile.
- Offer a small carafe of warm milk or spiced chai for guests who prefer a gentler pairing. The subtle spices in chai echo the cinnamon in the rolls and make each bite even cozier.
HOW TO STORE FLUFFY CINNAMON ROLLS WITH CREAMY GLAZE
Keeping these cinnamon rolls fresh and flavorful is easy with the right methods. Whether you plan to enjoy leftovers the next day or freeze extras for later, proper storage ensures each roll maintains its soft texture and creamy glaze integrity. Follow these simple tips to preserve that just-baked appeal.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. Be sure the rolls are fully cooled before sealing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- For longer freshness, place cooled rolls in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days. Warm them gently in the oven or microwave before serving to restore their just-baked softness.
- To keep a batch on hand, freeze individual rolls by wrapping each one in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat.
- If you’d like to freeze unbaked dough, prepare the rolls through step 9 and place them in the greased baking dish, covered tightly. Freeze for up to one month, then let them rise for 30 minutes at room temperature before baking as directed.
CONCLUSION
We’ve taken a deep dive into the world of these fluffy cinnamon rolls with creamy glaze, exploring every detail from proofing the yeast in warm milk to whisking together a luscious cream cheese topping. Starting with a warm, fragrant dough that’s tenderened by butter and enriched with eggs, we rolled out a sweet cinnamon filling before shaping each swirl into perfect little pillows. Baking for just 25–30 minutes gives you golden tops and gooey interiors, and the final touch—spreading that silky glaze—creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone looking to revisit a beloved classic, this recipe is foolproof and utterly rewarding.
Feel free to print this article and save it in your recipe binder for whenever you crave a sweet breakfast or a comforting dessert. Below, you’ll also find a handy FAQ section to address any questions that might pop up—everything from ingredient swaps to storage curiosities. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how your rolls turned out! Drop a comment, ask a question, or share any tweaks you made to personalize your batch. Happy baking, and here’s to filling your home with the irresistible scent of warm cinnamon and fresh-baked goodness!
Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Glaze
Description
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls bursting with sweet cinnamon goodness, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
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Add melted butter, remaining sugar, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
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Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition, until a soft dough forms.
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Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
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Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
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Roll the dough out onto a floured surface, forming a rectangle about 16x12 inches.
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Spread the softened butter for the filling evenly over the dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the butter.
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Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log and cut it into 12-15 rolls, about 1-1.5 inches thick.
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Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the prepared baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they've doubled in size.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
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While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by beating cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until creamy.
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Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, let them cool for 5-10 minutes before spreading the glaze over the top so it slightly melts.
Note
- For a nuttier flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- To save time, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator for overnight rising.
- If you like extra gooey rolls, pour a little heavy cream over the rolls before baking.
- These rolls freeze well. Simply reheat in the oven before serving for best results.
