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Jana Rae

Best Ever Yeast Cinnamon Rolls

Discover the best yeast cinnamon rolls recipe! These soft and fluffy rolls are filled with cinnamon-sugar goodness.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 Rolls
Course: Pastries
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:
  • 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • cup granulated sugar
  • cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
For the Filling:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze/Frosting:
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp milk (or heavy cream)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

Make the Dough:
  1. Warm the milk to about 110°F/45°C and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
  4. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
  1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until a spreadable paste forms.
Assemble the Rolls:
  1. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12x18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
  2. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.
  3. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side, and pinch the seam to seal.
  4. Cut the log into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30–45 minutes.
Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Add Glaze/Frosting:
  1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

Notes and Tips

  • Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter before baking for a golden crust.
  • For extra gooey rolls, double the filling ingredients.