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The Best and Most Decadent Cinnammon Rolls

Soft, fluffy, and loaded with rich cinnamon flavor, these rolls have the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these homemade cinnamon rolls will have everyone returning for more.

The Best and Most Decadent Cinammon Rolls

Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen in the Med

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Table of Contents

What I Like About this Recipe

I know this is not a Mediterranean recipe, but I could not resist (again). It is so good I had to post it here; occasionally, you will see me doing this😅

I must remember to indulge in these recipes occasionally; otherwise, it won’t be good for my weight and long-term health. 

  • Super soft and fluffy: The enriched dough makes these rolls incredibly tender.
  • Perfectly spiced filling: The buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture caramelizes beautifully.
  • Thick, creamy frosting: A luscious cream cheese glaze takes these to the next level.
  • Make-ahead friendly: You can prep them overnight for fresh, warm rolls in the morning.

What is this recipe?

These homemade cinnamon rolls feature a soft, buttery dough wrapped around a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze. They’re the ultimate indulgent breakfast or dessert.

Where does it come from?

Cinnamon rolls trace their origins to Sweden, where they are known as kanelbullar. Over time, variations have spread worldwide, with the American version often featuring rich, sweet icing. These rolls build on that tradition, offering an ultra-soft texture and bold cinnamon flavor, making them the best of the best.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen in the Med

For the Dough

  • ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling

  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (15 g) ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup (116 g) honey

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) milk (for desired consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and mix with yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 ½ to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
1. Dough Ingredients
1. Dough Ingredients
2. Bloom the Yeast for about Ten Minutes
2. Bloom the Yeast for about Ten Minutes
3. Grease a Bowl to Place the Dough
3. Grease a Bowl to Place the Dough
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
5. Blend the Dough
5. Blend the Dough
6. Cover the Dough and let it Rest
6. Cover the Dough and let it Rest

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon into a paste.

1. Cinnamon Caramel Ingredients
1. Cinnamon Caramel Ingredients
2. Cinnamon Caramel Mix
2. Cinnamon Caramel Mix
3. Spread the Cinnamon Caramel Mix on the Bottom of your Casserole or Oven Ready Container
3. Spread the Cinnamon Caramel Mix on the Bottom of your Casserole or Oven Ready Container

Step 3: Shape and Cut the Rolls

  1. Roll out the dough into a 14×18-inch (35×45 cm) rectangle on a floured surface.
  2. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
  3. Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long edge. Cut into 12 equal slices.
1. Knead the Dough
1. Knead the Dough
2. Knead the Dough
2. Knead the Dough
3. Work the Dough
3. Work the Dough
4. Spread the Filling with a Spatula
4. Spread the Filling with a Spatula
5. Carefully Roll the Dough
5. Carefully Roll the Dough
6. Rolled Dough
6. Rolled Dough
7. Cut with a clean Kitchen String or Unflavored Dental Floss
7. Cut with a clean Kitchen String or Unflavored Dental Floss
8. Place in Casserole or an Oven Safe Container
8. Place in Casserole or an Oven Safe Container
9. Place the Cut Dough in a Casserole or Oven Ready Container
9. Place the Cut Dough in a Casserole or Oven Ready Container
9. Pour Heavy Cream Between the Rolls
9. Pour Heavy Cream Between the Rolls

Step 4: Second Rise

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

1. Rolls with heavy Cream Between Them
1. Rolls with heavy Cream Between Them
2. Rolls after Second Proof
2. Rolls after Second Proof
3. Rolls after Second Proof
3. Rolls after Second Proof
4. Rolls after Second Proof
4. Rolls after Second Proof
5. Rolls after Second Proof
5. Rolls after Second Proof

Step 5: Bake

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
1. Rolls Rising and Baking in the Oven
1. Rolls Rising and Baking in the Oven
2. Rolls Rising and Baking in the Oven
2. Rolls Rising and Baking in the Oven
3. Rolls After Baking Out of the Oven
3. Rolls After Baking Out of the Oven
4. Rolls After Baking Out of the Oven
4. Rolls After Baking Out of the Oven
5. Rolls After Baking Out of the Oven
5. Rolls After Baking Out of the Oven
6. Cross Section Where You can see the Cinnamon Caramel
6. Cross Section Where You can see the Cinnamon Caramel

Cross Section Where You can see the Cinnamon Caramel

Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen in the Med

Step 6: Make the Frosting & Serve

  1. Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
  2. Spread over warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.

Cream Cheese and Vanilla Icing

Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen in the Med

Suggestions for Serving

  • Serve warm for the best gooey texture.
  • Pair with coffee or a cold glass of milk.
  • Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top for added flavor.
1. Cinnamon Roll with Extra Icing
1. Cinnamon Roll with Extra Icing
2. Cinnamon Roll with Extra Icing
2. Cinnamon Roll with Extra Icing
3. Cinnamon Roll with Extra Icing
3. Cinnamon Roll with Extra Icing
4. Cinnamon Roll with Extra Icing
4. Cinnamon Roll with Extra Icing
5. Cinnamon Roll with Extra Icing
5. Cinnamon Roll with Extra Icing
6. Cinnamon Roll with Extra Icing
6. Cinnamon Roll with Extra Icing

Tips and ideas

  • Make-ahead option: Refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight and bake fresh in the morning.
  • Want extra gooey rolls? Pour a bit of heavy cream over the rolls before baking.
  • Try different fillings: Add chopped nuts, raisins, or a hint of orange zest for variation.

💡 You can also use the same ingredients but cut thinner rolls, doubling the number of rolls with the same ingredients. 

‼️Be aware though, the rolls will be smaller and might be drier, so adjust times accordingly, as you watch the oven closely. 

Pictures below.👇🏽

1. Double the Rolls but Same Ingredients
1. Double the Rolls but Same Ingredients
2. Double the Rolls but Same Ingredients
2. Double the Rolls but Same Ingredients
3. Double the Rolls but Same Ingredients
3. Double the Rolls but Same Ingredients
4. Double the Rolls but Same Ingredients
4. Double the Rolls but Same Ingredients
5. Double the Rolls but Same Ingredients
5. Double the Rolls but Same Ingredients
6. Double the Rolls but Same Ingredients
6. Double the Rolls but Same Ingredients
7. Double the Rolls but Same Ingredients
7. Double the Rolls but Same Ingredients
8. Ready to Spread the Icing
8. Ready to Spread the Icing
9. Smaller Roll with Icing
9. Smaller Roll with Icing
10. Smaller Roll with Icing
10. Smaller Roll with Icing
11. Smaller Roll with Icing
11. Smaller Roll with Icing
12. Smaller Roll with Icing
12. Smaller Roll with Icing
13. Smaller Roll with Icing
13. Smaller Roll with Icing
14. Smaller Roll with Icing
14. Smaller Roll with Icing

Decadent Cinnamon Rolls with Extra Icing

Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen in the Med

Decadent Cinnamon Rolls with Extra Icing FAQ

  • Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
    Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.
  • Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
    Yes, prepare them up to the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
  • How do I reheat leftover cinnamon rolls?
    Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
  • Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
    Yes! Freeze them after baking (without frosting), then thaw and warm before adding frosting.
  • Why didn’t my dough rise?
    Your yeast may be expired, or your milk was too hot and killed the yeast.
  • How can I make my rolls extra soft?
    Don’t overbake, and add a little heavy cream over the rolls before baking for extra moisture.
  • Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
    Yes! Bread flour will make the rolls slightly chewier.
  • Why is my frosting too runny?
    Add more powdered sugar to thicken it, or chill it before spreading.
  • How do I make dairy-free cinnamon rolls?
    Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
  • Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
    Yes, but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the rolls.

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The Best and Most Decadent Cinnammon Rolls

Alberto Conde
Soft, fluffy, and loaded with rich cinnamon flavor, these rolls have the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these homemade cinnamon rolls will have everyone returning for more.
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Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 385 kcal

Hover the mouse over number of servings to get your desired amount.

Ingredients
 
 

For the Dough

For the Filling

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  • Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and mix with yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  • In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 ½ to 2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  • In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a paste.

Step 3: Shape and Cut the Rolls

  • Roll out the dough into a 14×18-inch (35×45 cm) rectangle on a floured surface.
  • Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
  • Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long edge. Cut into 12 equal slices.

Step 4: Second Rise

  • Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.

Step 6: Make the Frosting & Serve

  • Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
  • Spread over warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 76gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 155mgPotassium: 109mgFiber: 2gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 439IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 148mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Desserts
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I’m Alberto, born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, a principal city in the Mediterranean.

Here, I share authentic, easy-to-follow recipes inspired by the rich flavors of my home. You’ll find wholesome, time-honored dishes, expert cooking tips, and ingredient guides to help you bring the Mediterranean diet and other dishes to your kitchen—regardless of where you live.

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