Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch with Cream Cheese Icing

Posted on November 12, 2025 · By Elisa

There’s something irresistibly cozy about the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven, especially when they’re made from scratch. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro looking for a reliable go-to recipe, these easy cinnamon rolls from scratch deliver every time. They’re soft, fluffy, sweet, and generously topped with rich cream cheese icing. More importantly, they don’t require any fancy techniques or overnight waits. In just a few hours, you can have fresh, bakery-style cinnamon rolls right in your own kitchen.

Perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or just because—you’ll find every reason to bake these. Moreover, this recipe uses pantry staples, so you probably already have everything you need. Let’s walk through how to make cinnamon rolls from scratch step-by-step with confidence and success.

Why These Easy Cinnamon Rolls Are Worth Making at Home

It’s true—store-bought cinnamon rolls are convenient, but once you try these homemade ones, there’s simply no going back. One of the best parts about making them yourself is the control you have over every component. You can adjust the sweetness, play with the filling flavors, or load up on that luscious icing.

Another reason to love this recipe is how approachable it is. Unlike traditional yeasted doughs that need an overnight rise, this dough comes together quickly and only needs a single rise. Even better, the kneading process is simple, and there’s no complicated shaping involved. Everything about this recipe has been designed to make it foolproof without compromising on texture or taste.

Ingredients You Need for Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch

To make these easy cinnamon rolls from scratch, you’ll need a combination of ingredients for the dough, filling, and icing. Here’s the full breakdown:

For the Dough:

2 and 3/4 cups (344g) all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk
3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter
2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 standard packet)
1 large egg, at room temperature

For the Filling:

3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, extra softened
1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

4 ounces (113g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup (80g) confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

These basic ingredients combine beautifully to create soft rolls filled with warm cinnamon flavor and topped with a silky, slightly tangy icing.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Dough

Begin by whisking the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and butter. Heat this mixture either in the microwave or over the stove just until the butter melts and the temperature reaches about 110°F. This ensures that the yeast activates properly without being killed by high heat.

Next, whisk the yeast into the warm milk mixture until it dissolves. Pour this into the dry ingredients, then add the egg. Stir everything together using a rubber spatula or mix with a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until a soft dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for about 3 to 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and elastic but not sticky. If it sticks too much, sprinkle in a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. Once kneaded, shape it into a smooth ball and place it into a greased bowl. Cover loosely and let it rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Filling the Cinnamon Rolls with Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Goodness

While the dough rests, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. On your floured surface, roll the rested dough into a 14×8 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface of the dough. Next, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the buttered dough, pressing gently to adhere.

Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Slice the log into 10 to 12 equal rolls. You can use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to get clean cuts. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9- or 10-inch round pan or square baking dish.

Letting the Dough Rise to Pillowy Perfection

Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the rolls to rise in a warm environment for 60 to 90 minutes, or until they have doubled in size. This step is key because it gives the rolls their signature fluffiness.

To speed up the rise, you can place the rolls in a slightly warm oven (turned off) with a bowl of hot water underneath. This creates a gentle, moist warmth that yeast loves.

How to Bake Cinnamon Rolls to Golden, Fluffy Goodness

After the rolls have risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 24 to 27 minutes, or until golden brown. If the tops begin to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil partway through baking. For precise results, the internal temperature should be about 195°F to 200°F when done.

Once baked, transfer the pan to a cooling rack and prepare the icing while the rolls are still warm. This way, the icing melts slightly into the rolls for that iconic gooey finish.

Making the Cream Cheese Icing

Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the butter and beat again until well combined. Mix in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until creamy and fully incorporated. Spread the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls using a knife or spatula. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Tools You Need to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

No special gadgets are needed to make these easy cinnamon rolls from scratch. However, having the following tools can make the process even smoother:

Large mixing bowls
Rolling pin
9- or 10-inch baking dish or cake pan
Measuring cups and spoons
Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
Sharp knife or floss for cutting
Stand mixer (optional but helpful)
Thermometer (to check milk and internal bake temp)

Expert Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls Every Time

First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the egg and cream cheese. This helps everything blend smoothly. Second, don’t over-knead the dough; you want it soft, not tough. Third, let the dough rest and rise properly—rushing this step results in dense rolls.

If you’re looking for flavor variations, try adding a pinch of cardamom to the filling or a sprinkle of orange zest to the icing. These small tweaks make the recipe feel new each time you bake it.

Creative Variations for Cinnamon Rolls

Want to make these cinnamon rolls from scratch your own? Here are a few creative additions:

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch
Replace brown sugar with maple sugar or coconut sugar
Add raisins, dried cranberries, or mini chocolate chips
Use a glaze made from milk and powdered sugar instead of cream cheese
Try a drizzle of cinnamon maple icing for a festive twist

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making cinnamon rolls from scratch

Avoid using milk that’s too hot—anything above 115°F can kill the yeast. Similarly, don’t skip kneading or under-knead the dough, which prevents gluten from developing. Also, cutting uneven rolls can lead to inconsistent baking, so aim for even thickness.

Lastly, don’t wait too long to ice the rolls. If they cool completely, the icing won’t spread well and may sit on top instead of melting in.

How to Store and Reheat Your cinnamon rolls from scratch

If you have leftovers, cover the rolls tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for one day or in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, microwave a roll for 15-20 seconds or warm it in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. You can also freeze unbaked rolls after shaping—just thaw and let them rise before baking.

Perfect Pairings for cinnamon rolls from scratch at Any Time of Day

These cinnamon rolls are incredibly versatile. Serve them with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a hearty breakfast, or enjoy them alongside pumpkin whipped cottage cheese for a protein-rich twist. For an afternoon treat, pair them with raspberry white hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk. They also shine on brunch tables next to breakfast granola fruit tart or a fresh cranberry almond spinach salad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for about 45–60 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
You can freeze baked and unfrosted rolls. Thaw overnight, warm them up, then add fresh icing.

Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, almond, oat, or soy milk can work, though the texture may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Substitute with a basic vanilla glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract.

Conclusion: Start a New Baking Tradition With These Rolls

Baking easy cinnamon rolls from scratch is one of the most rewarding kitchen experiences you can have. Not only are the results delicious, but the process itself is enjoyable and soothing. Whether you’re baking for family, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself, these cinnamon rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try them once, and they’ll likely become a new staple in your baking routine. Don’t forget to experiment with flavors, share your creations, and keep coming back to discover more cozy baking ideas.

If you enjoyed this cinnamon rolls from scratch recipe, explore more comforting favorites like fig grilled cheese, holiday punch, or even loaded breakfast sweet potatoes. Happy baking!

Save