If you love waking up to the dreamy aroma of freshly-baked goodness, these Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls will steal your heart! Tender, buttery spirals filled with a cozy cinnamon swirl and crowned with the creamiest cream cheese frosting—every bite is about comfort, joy, and pure indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bakery-Quality Softness: These Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls deliver golden, plush dough that rivals your favorite bakery (and your kitchen will smell amazing!).
- Gooey Cinnamon Swirl: Every spiral is brimming with a perfectly-spiced cinnamon-sugar filling for maximum flavor in each bite.
- Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting: The rich, tangy frosting melts into warm rolls for a decadent, luscious finish you’ll crave.
- Simple Pantry Staples: No complicated ingredients—just classic, everyday items coming together for something spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these cinnamon rolls is chosen to guarantee pillowy-soft dough, a fragrant center, and a cloud-like topping. Don’t let their bakery shine fool you—these are all familiar staples doing extraordinary things together!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone for tender structure, just the right amount for plush, airy rolls.
- Instant yeast: Helps our dough rise quickly and evenly for that irresistible fluffiness.
- Salt: Essential for rounding out the sweetness and developing flavor (don’t skip it!).
- Unsalted butter (melted & softened): Provides richness—melted for the dough, softened for the filling & frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to the dough and encourages beautiful browning.
- Sour cream: The secret to extra-moist, supple dough with a touch of tang.
- Egg: Binds the dough, adds richness, and contributes to that divine, fluffy crumb.
- Whole milk: Warm milk keeps the dough soft and helps the yeast thrive.
- Light brown sugar: For the gooey cinnamon swirl filling—caramel notes can’t be beat!
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show; don’t be shy with it.
- Cream cheese: Silky-smooth foundation for that classic tangy-sweet frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Makes the frosting glossy and perfectly sweet without any grittiness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Just a splash transforms the frosting into something truly special.
Variations
These Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls are a blank canvas for your cravings! Get creative—you can tweak the filling, swap out the frosting, or even adapt for different dietary needs. There’s truly a version for everyone at your table.
- Pecan or Walnut Crunch: Sprinkle a generous handful of chopped nuts over the cinnamon filling for a delicious toasty crunch.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add a layer of mini chocolate chips or swirls of Nutella before rolling for chocolate-cinnamon heaven.
- Vegan-Friendly Swap: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and a flax egg to make these rolls 100% vegan (and still ultra-soft!).
- Maple Glaze: Trade the cream cheese frosting for a maple syrup glaze for rustic, nostalgic flavor.
How to Make Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by whisking together your flour, instant yeast, and salt in a medium bowl—this ensures the yeast gets evenly dispersed for that signature big, fluffy rise. In your stand mixer, whisk the melted butter, sugar, sour cream, and egg until just combined. Using a dough hook, add the flour mixture and warm milk. Let your mixer knead on medium-low until the dough is soft, elastic, and only slightly sticky—about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 2: First Rise
Scrape down your dough, then drizzle with a mild oil to prevent sticking. Turn it once to coat, cover loosely, and let the magic happen in a warm, cozy spot until doubled—about 1 hour. This patient rise is key to ultra-soft, pillowy rolls and completely worth the wait!
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Gently turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, give it a little punch to deflate, and then roll into a big 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter all over, leaving a small border on one long edge. Mix up the brown sugar and cinnamon, then blanket it over the butter. Starting at the other long edge, roll up tightly so you get perfect swirls in every bite.
Step 4: Slice, Arrange, and Second Rise
Pinch the seam to close, trim the ends, and slice your log into 12 even rolls. Arrange in a buttered 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let them puff up for about 30 minutes—just enough time to preheat your oven and gather some cinnamon roll anticipation!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls at 350°F (177°C) for 30–35 minutes, until the tops are golden and the scent fills your kitchen with pure joy. Let them cool just 15 minutes in the pan—enough to set, but still warm for that dreamy melting-frosting moment.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls cool, whip the cream cheese and butter together until extra light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla, then slowly add powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Generously spread over the warm rolls and watch it cascade into all those cinnamon crevices!
Pro Tips for Making Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
- Temperature Is Everything: Use warm (not hot!) milk to activate the yeast—aim for around 100–110°F (37–43°C) for perfectly fluffy rolls every time.
- Softened Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, sour cream, and cream cheese are at room temperature; it makes for a smoother dough and silky-smooth frosting.
- The Proof Is in the Rise: Letting the dough rise until doubled (without rushing) is the secret to cloud-like cinnamon rolls—be patient and your reward will be spectacular.
- Neat and Even Slices: For perfectly round rolls, use unflavored dental floss to slice the dough log—it lifts straight through without squishing the delicate spirals.
How to Serve Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
Dress up your Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with a shower of toasted pecans or walnuts, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on the frosting, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-worthy finish. If you love a little sparkle, a touch of flaky sea salt on the cream cheese frosting really makes the flavors pop!
Side Dishes
Balance the sweetness with something fresh—slices of juicy orange or a berry fruit salad are a delight alongside. For brunches, serve these rolls warm with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a soothing mug of coffee or chai. They’ll happily anchor the coziest breakfast spread!
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow-worthy brunch centerpiece, arrange your frosted rolls on a rustic wooden board and sprinkle with colorful edible flowers. To make mini versions for parties or gifts, slice smaller and bake in muffin tins—adorable, portable, and instantly festive. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce also transforms these into dreamy dessert bites!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted and cooled, cover your Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls tightly and pop them in the fridge; they’ll stay luscious for up to five days. The frosting keeps them delightfully moist, so you’ll have an indulgent treat ready whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely (skip the frosting if you prefer), wrap well, and freeze for up to two months. For a quick treat later, thaw and warm, then slather with fresh cream cheese frosting before serving—it’ll taste freshly baked.
Reheating
To relive that just-baked magic, reheat individual cinnamon rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or pop the pan in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) until warmed through. If they’ve been in the fridge, a quick warm-up brings back all the pillowy softness!
FAQs
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Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! If you swap for active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk with a bit of sugar and let stand for 5–10 minutes, until foamy. Then proceed as directed, knowing the first rise may take a bit longer.
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Do I have to use sour cream in the dough?
Sour cream makes the rolls especially tender and moist, but Greek yogurt is a great substitute if that’s what you have. Either way, the extra tang transforms the dough’s flavor and texture.
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How can I prepare the Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls the night before?
After arranging the sliced rolls in the pan, cover well and place in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and puff up before baking as usual—warm, fresh-from-the-oven rolls with no early-morning hustle!
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Why is my cinnamon filling leaking out?
It’s completely normal for some filling to melt and pool at the bottom. To minimize leaks, leave a clean border, roll tightly, and pinch the seams well. Scooping any gooey goodness from the pan over your rolls after baking is always encouraged!
Final Thoughts
There’s just nothing quite like sharing a pan of Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls, still warm and lavishly frosted, with the people you love. I hope this recipe brings so much delight to your mornings—give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a new household tradition!
Print
Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls that are perfect for breakfast or as a delicious treat any time of day. The warm, gooey cinnamon filling and creamy cream cheese frosting make these rolls irresistible.
Ingredients
Dough
- 560 g (4 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 70 g (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
- 75 g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar
- 60 g (1/4 cup) sour cream, at room temperature
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 240 g (1 cup) warm whole milk
Filling
- 113 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 165 g (3/4 cup) firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 113 g (1/2 cup) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 58 g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 180 g (1 1/2 cups) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Dough In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, yeast, and salt. Set aside.
- Filling In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Cream Cheese Frosting With a mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and beat until combined.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the melted butter, sugar, sour cream, and egg. Attach the bowl to the mixer, and using the dough hook on low speed, add the flour mixture and milk and mix to combine. Increase the mixer to medium-low speed and mix for 5-7 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic. It’s ok if it is still slightly sticky.
Scrape the dough from the sides of the bowl and drizzle with a mild oil. Turn the dough so that it is lightly greased on all sides. Loosely cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise in a warm place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with butter.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and lightly punch down to release some of the air. Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread the softened butter onto the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one of the long edges. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the butter.
Begin with the long edge that has the sugar mixture and roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal, trim ends, and slice into 12 rolls. Arrange the rolls in the prepared pan and allow them to rise in a warm place until they are puffed, about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C.
Bake the cinnamon rolls for 30-35 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden brown. Allow the rolls to cool for 15 minutes before frosting.
With the mixer on low speed, mix in the powdered sugar until combined. Increase the mixer to medium-high speed and beat the frosting until fluffy. Spread onto the warm rolls.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover frosted cinnamon rolls covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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