Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze are the kind of comforting, bakery-style treat that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon, soft dough, and sweet vanilla. These rolls are tender, fluffy, and swirled generously with a buttery brown sugar–cinnamon filling, then finished with a silky cream cheese glaze that melts deliciously into every swirl. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a special gathering, these cinnamon rolls deliver a nostalgic, heartwarming indulgence that everyone loves.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between soft, pillowy dough and a rich, gooey cinnamon filling. The cream cheese glaze adds just the right amount of tang and sweetness, making every bite heavenly. The process is also incredibly rewarding—watching the dough rise, shaping the rolls, and pulling a golden, fragrant batch out of the oven is an experience that brings comfort and satisfaction.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it delivers bakery-quality cinnamon rolls right at home, and they taste even better than store-bought versions. The dough is easy to work with, the ingredients are simple, and the final result is impressive enough to serve at holidays, parties, or weekend breakfasts. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Recipe Details

Dough Prep Time: 20 minutes
First Rise Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Shaping and Second Rise Time: 45 minutes
Baking Time: 20 to 25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours

Servings : Makes 12 large cinnamon rolls

Calories : Approximately 320 to 360 calories per roll (including glaze)

Course : Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine : American

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the yeast mixture by mixing warm milk, yeast, and a little sugar. Let it sit until foamy.
2. Make the dough by combining the yeast mixture with butter, eggs, sugar, salt, and flour.
3. Knead until smooth, then let rise until doubled.
4. Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread the cinnamon filling over it.
5. Roll tightly, slice into rolls, place into a greased pan, and let rise again.
6. Bake until golden brown.
7. Make the cream cheese glaze and spread over warm rolls.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• In a bowl, mix warm milk with the yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar.
• Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly and frothy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

• In a large bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, remaining sugar, and salt.
• Add the yeast mixture and stir.
• Gradually add flour, starting with 3 ½ cups, then add more as needed until the dough is soft and slightly sticky.
• Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

• Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

• Mix butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until a smooth paste forms.

Step 5: Roll and Shape

• Roll the dough into a 16x12 inch rectangle.
• Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
• Roll the dough tightly from the long side.
• Cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 6: Second Rise

• Arrange rolls in a greased baking pan.
• Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

• Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
• Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
• Thin with milk until smooth and pourable.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

• Spread glaze over warm rolls so it melts into the layers.

How to Serve

Serve cinnamon rolls warm for the best texture. The glaze melts perfectly when the rolls are slightly hot. Pair with hot coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or cold milk. These rolls make an excellent breakfast centerpiece or a sweet treat any time of day.

Recipe Tips

• Use warm—not hot—milk to activate yeast properly.
• For extra gooey rolls, add 2 tablespoons heavy cream over the rolls before baking.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes after the first rise for easier rolling.
• For cleaner cuts, use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife.
• Do not overbake; remove when lightly golden for soft, fluffy rolls.

Variations

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips inside the filling for a chocolatey twist.

Maple Glazed Rolls

Replace vanilla extract with maple extract and add 2 tablespoons maple syrup to the glaze.

Nutty Cinnamon Rolls

Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts inside the cinnamon filling for crunch.

Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Pour a thin layer of caramel sauce and chopped pecans at the bottom of the baking dish before placing rolls on top.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Add ½ cup pumpkin purée and 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice to the dough for a seasonal flavor.

Freezing and Storage Time

Storage

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for 4 to 5 days; reheat slightly before serving.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping and slicing. Store up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, let rise, then bake as directed.
• Baked rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months; warm before adding glaze.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
• 9x13 inch baking pan
• Sharp knife or dental floss
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk or hand mixer

Conclusion

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze are the ultimate comfort-baked treat—soft, sweet, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a bakery-quality batch right in your own kitchen. Whether you make them for a holiday morning, brunch with friends, or a cozy weekend breakfast, these cinnamon rolls will quickly become a beloved go-to recipe.