Recipe Book • Assignment #1

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, gooey rolls with a classic cinnamon-sugar swirl and cream cheese icing.

Freshly baked cinnamon rolls with icing

Yield

12 rolls

Prep Time

25 minutes

Rise Time

1 hour 30 minutes

Bake Time

20–25 minutes

Why I Picked This Recipe

Cinnamon rolls are the definition of comfort food: warm, sweet, and perfect for mornings when you want something special. I like this recipe because it’s straightforward, doesn’t require fancy equipment, and the icing is a guaranteed win.

Tip: If you want maximum gooeyness, slightly underbake (pull them when the centers are set but soft).

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little for dusting)

Filling

  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Icing

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin as needed)

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast: Mix warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dough: Add sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead: Knead 6–8 minutes (by hand or mixer) until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise about 1 hour (until doubled).
  5. Make filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
  6. Roll out: Roll dough into a rectangle (about 16×12 inches). Spread softened butter, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar.
  7. Shape rolls: Roll up tightly from the long side and slice into 12 even pieces.
  8. Second rise: Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and rise 30 minutes.
  9. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.
  10. Icing: Beat cream cheese + butter, then add powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk a little at a time to reach your preferred consistency.
  11. Finish: Spread icing over warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

  • Serve warm with coffee or a latte.
  • For a “dessert” version, add chopped pecans to the filling.
  • For a lighter option, drizzle icing instead of fully frosting.
“If you can smell cinnamon rolls baking, you’re already having a good day.”