These homemade cinnamon rolls are a decadent, crowd-pleasing treat that never fails to impress. With their soft, fluffy texture, rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and creamy frosting, they taste like something straight out of a bakery. The best part? They’re easy enough for a 10-year-old to make, making them a fun and rewarding baking project for all ages.
These cinnamon rolls are sweet, buttery, and perfectly spiced, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting and a luxurious caramel drizzle. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. The dough is soft and pillowy, the filling is warm and aromatic, and the frosting adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
- Add the sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Drizzle
- In a small saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
- Add the butter and stir until melted and combined.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 7: Frost and Drizzle the Cinnamon Rolls
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the frosted rolls.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the cinnamon rolls warm, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Rolls
✔ Easy to Make – Simple steps that even kids can follow.
✔ Soft & Fluffy – Perfectly tender dough with a rich filling.
✔ Decadent Frosting & Drizzle – Creamy, sweet, and irresistible.
✔ Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone will love them, guaranteed!
These homemade cinnamon rolls are pure comfort food, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a sweet treat. Try them out and let me know how they turn out! 😊🍽✨