Hey y'all! If you're searching for the ultimate comfort treat, you've just found it with The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever (Soft). These rolls are pillowy, gooey, and dripping with sweet icing—absolutely perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or whenever you crave some homemade goodness. Trust me, one bite and you’ll never go back to store-bought! Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Recipe for The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever (Soft)
- Ultra-soft and fluffy texture thanks to a perfectly balanced dough.
- Rich cinnamon-sugar swirl in every bite for irresistible flavor.
- Easy-to-follow steps make this recipe approachable even for beginners.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delectable dessert.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins or glazes!
Ingredients for The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever (Soft)
- 1 cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoon (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever (Soft): Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well, then add flour one cup at a time. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes (by hand or stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside. Roll dough out on a floured surface into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Tightly roll up the dough from the long side. Slice into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
Step 6: Second Rise
Arrange rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22-25 minutes, or until lightly golden on top (do not overbake).
Step 8: Make the Icing & Finish
While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; mix until smooth. Spread icing over warm rolls and enjoy!
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Notes for The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever (Soft)
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients—this helps the dough rise evenly.
- If your yeast doesn’t foam in the beginning, it may be inactive; check out this yeast troubleshooting guide for help.
- Don’t overbake; slightly underbaked cinnamon rolls are extra soft and gooey.
Variations on The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever (Soft)
- Pecan Caramel Rolls: Add ½ cup chopped pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce before baking.
- Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle ½ cup mini chocolate chips over the filling.
- Maple Glazed Rolls: Swap vanilla extract for maple, and add a splash of maple syrup to the icing.
Required Equipment for Making The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever (Soft)
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Rolling pin
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife or unflavored dental floss
- Spatula
Storage Instructions for The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever (Soft)
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds. For longer storage, freeze baked (and cooled) rolls for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.
Serving Recommendations for The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever (Soft)
- Serve warm with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.
- Pair with scrambled eggs and fruit for a hearty brunch.
- Top with extra cream cheese icing for a decadent dessert.
Pro Tips for The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever (Soft)
- Warm your oven slightly (then turn off) and let the dough rise inside—it’s the perfect draft-free environment.
- Slice rolls with unflavored dental floss for the cleanest cuts; see this detailed technique.
- If you want overnight cinnamon rolls, let the prepared rolls rise in the fridge overnight and bake in the morning.
FAQ: The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever (Soft)
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Replace active dry yeast with the same amount of instant yeast and skip the blooming step—just mix it right into the flour. - How do I make sure my rolls are extra soft?
Don’t add too much flour; stop mixing as soon as the dough is soft and slightly tacky, not dry. - Can I prep these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and let them rise in the fridge overnight, then bake fresh in the morning for maximum softness and flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
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2Add melted butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
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3Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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4Roll dough into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
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5Roll up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 rolls. Arrange in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 20 minutes.
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6Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Mix powdered sugar and milk for glaze and drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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