There’s nothing better than the smell of warm, buttery cinnamon rolls fresh out the oven. These are soft, gooey, and topped with a rich cream cheese icing that melts right into every swirl. Forget the store-bought kind — once you make these from scratch, you’ll never go back.
This is my go-to recipe when I want something cozy, comforting, and a little indulgent. Perfect for weekend brunch, holidays, or anytime you want to treat yourself and the family.
🧁 Ingredients
Dough
4 ½ cups bread flour (or all-purpose) ⅓ cup granulated sugar 1 packet (2¼ tsp) Rapid Rise Instant Yeast 1 tsp salt 1 ½ cups warm milk 6 tbsp unsalted butter (softened or melted with milk) 1 egg, room temperature
Filling
1 cup brown sugar 5 tbsp cinnamon 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 6 tbsp milk (add gradually until smooth) 1 tbsp vanilla extract Pinch of salt
👩🏽🍳 How to Make Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
1. Mix the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and the egg. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture while mixing on medium speed with a dough hook.
Knead for 5–7 minutes, until the dough is soft, elastic, and slightly tacky (not sticky).
💡 Since we’re using instant yeast, there’s no need to proof it in warm liquid — it can go straight in with the dry ingredients!
2. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Filling
Mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
4. Roll and Shape
After the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the top, roll it up tightly, and slice into 12 even rolls.
5. Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 pan. Cover and let them rest for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
6. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and fluffy.
7. Make the Frosting
In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost & Enjoy
Spread the cream cheese frosting over warm rolls and let it melt into every swirl of cinnamon goodness.
🌟 Rose’s Tips
Using instant yeast means no proofing — just mix and go! Bread flour gives a fluffier, bakery-style texture. Refrigerate the dough overnight for an easy bake the next morning. Add a drizzle of caramel or maple glaze for an extra sweet finish.
💬 Let’s Chat!
If you try this recipe, tag me on Instagram or TikTok — I love seeing your recreations!
Use the hashtag #IslandVibeCooking so I can find your version.
📌 Save This Recipe
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert — these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
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