Few things in the world compare to the heavenly aroma of freshly baked Glazed Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting. These golden, soft rolls are filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a rich, velvety cream cheese glaze that melts into every crevice — pure comfort in pastry form!

Whether you’re making them for a family breakfast on Sunday or a festive holiday treat, these rolls are guaranteed to disappear fast!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it embodies everything I adore about baking — the process, the aroma, and the reward.

There’s something deeply satisfying about kneading the dough, watching it rise, and then pulling a tray of golden, gooey rolls from the oven.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Glazed cinnamon rolls are a must-try because they’re a baking essential — a comforting classic that brings people together. They transform a simple morning into something special.

They’re also endlessly customizable — you can add nuts, fruit, or chocolate for your own twist. And the combination of soft bread and gooey glaze is just irresistible.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories: ~380 kcal per roll

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Breakfast / Brunch / Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add remaining sugar, butter, egg, and salt. Mix well.
3. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Set aside softened butter for spreading over the dough.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
2. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface.
4. Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long side.
5. Cut into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 4: Second Rise

1. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat again.
3. Add milk gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

1. Spread the cream cheese frosting over warm rolls.
2. Serve immediately while soft and gooey.

How to Serve

Serve these glazed cinnamon rolls warm — the frosting slightly melts into the swirls, creating that signature gooey texture. Pair them with a steaming mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk.
For brunch gatherings, you can top them with chopped pecans, a drizzle of caramel, or a dusting of cinnamon powder.

Recipe Tips

• Make sure the milk is warm, not hot — too much heat can kill the yeast.
• Don’t overbake! Rolls should be soft and tender, not dry.
• If your dough feels sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.
• For extra flavor, brush the baked rolls with melted butter before frosting.
• Let rolls cool slightly before frosting to prevent the glaze from completely melting.

Variations

• Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans and drizzle with caramel sauce.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Add cocoa powder to the filling or sprinkle chocolate chips before rolling.
• Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add finely chopped apples to the filling for a fruity twist.
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: Add ½ cup pumpkin puree and a dash of nutmeg to the dough.
• Maple Frosting: Replace milk with maple syrup for a warm, autumn-inspired glaze.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a preheated oven (300°F / 150°C) for 5–7 minutes.
• Freezing (Unbaked): After cutting, freeze rolls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Let thaw and rise before baking.
• Freezing (Baked): Freeze baked rolls (without frosting) up to 1 month. Thaw and warm before frosting and serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Pastry brush
• Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes! After rolling and cutting, cover the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning after letting them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Q2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute 1:1. You can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour.

Q3. Why are my cinnamon rolls dense?
Over-kneading or not letting the dough rise enough can make them heavy. Always ensure proper proofing time.

Q4. Can I make these without cream cheese frosting?
Definitely! You can use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

Q5. How do I make them extra gooey?
Pour a bit of warm heavy cream over the rolls before baking for an ultra-soft, gooey texture.

Conclusion

Glazed Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate comfort bake — soft, fluffy, buttery, and coated in creamy sweetness. They fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and warmth, instantly lifting your mood.

Whether you’re sharing them with family, bringing them to brunch, or savoring one in quiet bliss with your coffee, these rolls promise pure happiness in every bite. Once you’ve made them, you’ll understand why they’re loved around the world — a timeless, soul-soothing treat that’s simply unforgettable.