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Welcome to Said by Sonia
The Coziest Cinnamon Roll Recipe You’ll Make Forever
Soft, Fluffy, Gooey Cinnamon Rolls With a Velvety Vanilla Frosting
There’s just something about a freshly baked cinnamon roll on a cozy Sunday morning that just does it for me. Scratch that… even on weekdays I can always trust those calorie-loaded rolls to cheer me up! Nothing better, I swear. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee and suddenly my entire day is looking a wholeeeee lot brighter.
I LOVE cinnamon rolls and I think — and I’m definitely not biased of course. Wink wink. I make the BEST cinnamon rolls. Okay maybe I’m a little biased… but they’re seriously so good and you absolutely need to try them.
And listen, after making these, if you don’t like them, you never have to use this recipe again. BUTTTT you would seriously be missing out if you don’t at least give this one a try. After all, you don’t want to miss out on what could possibly be the best cinnamon roll you ever eat in your life… do you? 😌
These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, gooey in the middle, packed with warm cinnamon spice, juicy raisins, and covered in the most dreamy velvety frosting ever. Like genuinely the type of cinnamon roll that makes you stop mid-bite because it’s THAT good.
And can we talk about the smell? Because once these start baking your kitchen is going to smell like a cozy bakery and suddenly you’ll feel like the main character in a wholesome autumn movie.
So if you’re ready to make bakery-style cinnamon rolls from scratch that are rich, soft, buttery, and dangerously addictive… let’s get baking.
Table of Content
Why You’ll ABSOLUTELY LOVEEEE These Cinnamon Rolls
- Soft and fluffy! The deadliest combo ever!
- Rich cinnamon and nutmeg flavour. They make the most delicious combo!
- Perfectly gooey center. YUUUUUMMMM
- Beginner-friendly recipe. Suitable for all ages
- Ultra-creamy homemade frosting. The best part!
- Cozy and comforting. Cause they’re cinnamon rolls!
Yields: 8 large rolls or 12 smaller rolls
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Ingredients
1. The Dough
¾ cup (180ml) milk, warmed to 110°F
½ cup (110g) granulated sugar, divided
2 ½ tsp active dry yeast
½ cup (113g) salted butter, very softened
2 eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp vanilla extract
4 ½ cups (540g) flour
1 tsp salt
2. The Spiced Raisin Filling
1 cup (240g) light brown sugar
2 tbsp cinnamon
2 tsp nutmeg
½ cup (113g) salted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
Raisins (as much as desired)
3. The Secret Liquid
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, warmed
4. The Frosting
2 egg yolks
Sugar (approximately ¼ cup, to sweeten yolks)
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp vanilla extract
Heavy whipping cream
1/5 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until frothy. (You wanna make sure to activate that yeast! You don’t want a flat cinnamon rolls now do you)
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the yeast mixture, remaining sugar, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Add the flour and salt. Mix on low speed with a dough hook for about 1 minute until barely combined. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
Knead the dough on medium speed for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Please please do not over knead your dough, or else it’ll become hard and overly chewy!)
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 30–45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Spiced Raisin Filling
In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Roll out the dough:
- 16×15 inches for 8 large rolls
- 24×15 inches for 12 smaller rolls
Spread the filling evenly over the dough and sprinkle raisins across the top (As much raisin as you want! Or none if you prefer).
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and cut into approximately 2-inch slices.
Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let proof for 25–30 minutes until puffy. (This is necessary, don’t skip this step)
Step 3: Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Warm the 120ml heavy cream in the microwave for about 15 seconds and pour it evenly over the rolls before baking. This is the secret to ultra-soft, gooey cinnamon rolls.
For 8 Large Rolls
Bake at 350°F for 22–24 minutes, then increase the temperature to 375°F for another 5–7 minutes.
For 12 Smaller Rolls
Bake at 350°F for 20–22 minutes, then increase the temperature to 375°F for another 5–7 minutes.
Bake until golden brown and beautifully puffed. (Do not burn your cinnamon rolls or they won’t taste as nice or be fluffy and soft)
Step 4: The Frosting
1. Make the Custard
Set a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
Whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla constantly until the mixture becomes pale, thickened, and smooth.
Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with vanilla extract until smooth.
Blend the cooled custard into the cream cheese mixture.
3. Whip the Cream
In a bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until sturdy peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese custard mixture until smooth, airy, and velvety. (If you feel like it’s missing vanilla, do add more! There is no such thing as too much vanilla!)
Step 5: Frost the Cinnamon Rolls
Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for 10–15 minutes before spreading the frosting generously over the top.
The frosting will melt slightly into the warm swirls, creating the most rich and creamy cinnamon rolls imaginable.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls
Do Not Overheat the Milk
Milk that is too hot can kill the yeast.
Use Very Soft Butter
Soft butter spreads more evenly and creates a smoother filling.
Let the Dough Rise Properly
Rushing the rise can lead to dense rolls instead of fluffy ones.
Pour the Heavy Cream Over the Rolls
This keeps the rolls extra soft and gooey while baking.
Avoid Overbaking
Slightly underbaked cinnamon rolls stay softer for longer.
Final Thoughts
These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, warm, and filled with comforting spice in every bite. Between the gooey cinnamon filling and the luxurious frosting, this recipe feels like something straight out of a bakery.
Perfect for slow mornings, cozy weekends, holidays, or simply treating yourself, these cinnamon rolls are the kind of recipe you will want to make again and again.
Because honestly, nothing says comfort quite like warm cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven.
Happy baking HoneyB!
- Can I Make These Overnight?
Yes! After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
- Why Are My Cinnamon Rolls Dry?
Overbaking is usually the cause. Remove them once lightly golden and soft in the center.
- Can I Freeze Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze unfrosted rolls and thaw before reheating and frosting.
- Can I Leave Out the Raisins?
Of course. The recipe still works perfectly without them and its your kitchen you get to do whatever!
A Gentle Reminder Before You Go
Thank you, dear reader, for taking the time to be here. I write every post with care and empathy, hoping my words reach someone who needs them. I hope you took something away from this post and I would love to hear your thoughts and I’m open to questions and giving advice. I’m excited to connect with you!
Written with you in mind
Your online bestie,
Sonia
(Read more: Click here to learn how to become more confident and self-assured)
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