Bakery-Style Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the fluffiest rolls, don't rush the rise. Give the dough enough time to double in the first rise and to become puffy in the second. If your kitchen is cool, use a proofing box or place the dough in an oven with the light on.

The warm cream poured over the rolls should be just warm to the touch — not hot — to avoid killing the yeast. For extra gooeyness, you can pour a little extra cream over the rolls halfway through baking.

When frosting, work quickly but gently. Spread the frosting in broad strokes, allowing it to melt into the swirls. If you prefer a thicker frosting, let the rolls cool longer before applying.

For a more intense cinnamon flavor, use fresh ground cinnamon. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for warmth. These rolls are best served warm, so if you have leftovers, reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15 seconds.

Variations

• Pecan Sticky Buns: After placing the rolls in the pan, sprinkle 1 cup of chopped pecans over the top. Replace the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze of confectioners' sugar and milk, or skip the frosting entirely for a classic sticky bun.
• Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1 cup of finely diced apples to the brown sugar filling. Toss the apples with a little cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg before spreading over the dough. The apples will soften during baking and add a fruity sweetness.
• Chocolate Swirl Rolls: Replace the cinnamon with 1/2 cup of cocoa powder and add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the filling. Use a chocolate glaze instead of cream cheese frosting, or keep the cream cheese for a tangy contrast.
• Orange Glazed Rolls: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the dough and 2 tablespoons of orange juice to the frosting. Replace the cinnamon with a mix of cinnamon and cardamom for a bright, aromatic twist.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store frosted or unfrosted rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Freezer

Unfrosted baked rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before frosting.

Reheat

To reheat, place rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. Add a splash of cream before reheating to keep them moist.

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The frosting will firm up when chilled; let the rolls come to room temperature or reheat gently before serving. The caramelized cream at the bottom will reabsorb into the rolls, keeping them moist.

To make ahead, prepare the rolls through the second rise, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let the rolls sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while the oven preheats.

Pour the warm cream over the rolls and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. The frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring it to room temperature before spreading.

Serving ideas

Serve these cinnamon rolls warm, straight from the oven, with the frosting melting into every spiral. They are perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch, alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Pull them apart with your fingers and enjoy the contrast between the caramelized bottom and the soft, tender crumb. For a special occasion, add a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of extra cream cheese frosting.

These rolls are also wonderful as a dessert — serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. If you have leftover frosting, use it as a dip for fruit or spread on toast. The rolls are best enjoyed the day they are made, but they reheat beautifully. For a pretty presentation, arrange the rolls on a platter and dust with a little cinnamon sugar before serving.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Bakery-Style Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep 30 minCook 25 minRest 1 h 30 minTotal 2 h 25 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup warm heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix on low speed with the dough hook until a shaggy dough forms, then increase to medium speed and knead for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
2. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 16 by 12 inches. Spread the softened butter for the filling over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter, pressing gently so it adheres.
4. Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
5. Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, cut side up. Cover with a towel and let rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, about 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave until just warm to the touch. Pour the warm cream over the risen rolls, focusing on the edges and between the rolls. Bake for 22-25 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and the center reaches 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
7. While the rolls bake, make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream, and beat until creamy and spreadable.
8. Remove the rolls from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls, letting it melt into the folds. Serve warm, pulling the rolls apart to show the gooey center.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

8 g

Carbohydrates

62 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

32 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.