Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Pillowy soft cinnamon rolls with gooey filling and cream cheese frosting
By RecipesQueen Kitchen • June 10, 2026
These homemade cinnamon rolls are pillowy soft, swirled with gooey cinnamon-brown sugar filling, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that melts into every crevice.
The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and milk for a tender, brioche-like texture. Don't skimp on the rise time — a full hour lets the yeast develop flavor.
Bake them touching in the pan so the sides stay soft and gooey. Frost while still warm.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (filling)
- 2 tbsp cinnamon (filling)
- 1/4 cup softened butter (filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese (frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla (frosting)
Instructions
- 1
Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes. Add butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Knead 5 minutes until smooth.
- 2
Let dough rise in a greased bowl, covered, for 1 hour until doubled.
- 3
Roll into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread with softened butter, then brown sugar and cinnamon.
- 4
Roll tightly from the long edge. Cut into 12 pieces. Place in a greased 9x13-inch pan. Let rise 30 minutes.
- 5
Bake at 350°F for 22-25 minutes until golden.
- 6
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla for frosting. Spread over warm rolls.
