Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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With a bit of (totally worth it) work, you'll have fluffy and warm cinnamon rolls in your hands.

Iced homemade cinnamon rolls in baking pan
Photo: Jennifer Causey
Hands On Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
3 hrs 20 mins
Yield:
12

These are classic and sure to please anyone lucky enough to score a bite. There's a little bit of work involved, but the time and effort are worth the payoff of these homemade cinnamon rolls—think fluffy, tender rolls with a not-too-sweet glaze. Serve warm, fresh from the oven, with a steaming pot of coffee. Warm any leftovers (as if!) in the microwave. Note: If you've never worked with yeast, don't worry. This is an easy method that will ensure a good rise.

Ingredients

  • DOUGH

  • 4.25 cups plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided, plus more for work surface

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (from 1 envelope)

  • 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for bowl

  • 2 large eggs, beaten, at room temperature

  • FILLING AND ICING

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for dish

  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

  • cup powdered sugar

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

  • 2 tablespoons whole milk, at room temperature

Directions

  1. DOUGH: Whisk 1/2 cup water and 3 tablespoons of flour in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until mixture thickens to a paste, about 1 minute, stirring halfway through; set aside.

  2. Whisk sugar, yeast, salt, and the remaining 3 and 3/4 cups flour in a large bowl. Heat milk and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low, undisturbed, until butter melts, about 5 minutes.

  3. Remove from heat; let cool for about 5 minutes. Add warm milk mixture, flour paste, and eggs to flour-yeast mixture; stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

  4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth, about 5 to 6 minutes, dusting the surface with more flour if sticky. Wipe bowl clean and lightly coat with butter. Place dough in bowl and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

  5. FILLING AND ICING: Grease a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with butter. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 24-by-12-inch rectangle.

  6. Stir together butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl; spread evenly to the edges of the dough. Roll into a log lengthwise and cut crosswise into 12 2-inch pieces.

  7. Place rolls in a prepared baking dish about 1/2 inch apart. Cover loosely with plastic wrap; let rise until rolls are puffed and touching, about 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Uncover rolls and bake until golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes.

  8. Stir together powdered sugar and cream cheese in a medium bowl until combined. Whisk in milk until smooth. Spread icing over warm rolls.

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