World's Softest Cinnamon Rolls

Experience these oversized, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with a rich cinnamon sugar mixture and finished with a creamy vanilla cream cheese glaze. These are a family favorite, perfect for special breakfasts or brunches. The recipe offers overnight or freezing options for convenience.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Servings: 9

Full Ingredient List

  • ¾ cup warm milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons quick rise or active yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • 3 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ⅔ cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup butter, softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Roll Dough

Tools and Equipment

  • Electric mixer with dough hook
  • Wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowl
  • Plastic wrap
  • Towel

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
¾ cup warm milk 110 degrees F almond milk
2 ¼ teaspoons quick rise or active yeast 1/4-ounce package
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 egg room temperature
1 egg yolk room temperature
¼ cup butter melted, salted or unsalted vegan butter
3 cups bread flour plus more for dusting all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat milk to 110 degrees F. Pour into stand mixer bowl and sprinkle yeast on top. (Tips: Use a microwave-safe bowl to heat milk for 40-45 seconds.)
  2. Step 2: Add sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Mix until combined.
  3. Step 3: Stir in flour and salt with a wooden spoon until dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Attach dough hook and knead on medium speed for 8 minutes. Dough should be slightly sticky. (Tips: Add 2 tbsp more flour if too sticky.)
  5. Step 5: Transfer dough to oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and towel. Let rise in warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Cinnamon Filling

Tools and Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Hands

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
⅔ cup dark brown sugar light brown sugar
1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup butter softened vegan butter

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix dark brown sugar and cinnamon.
  2. Step 2: Roll out dough to a 14x9 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
  3. Step 3: Spread softened butter over dough, leaving a ¼ inch margin.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle and rub the sugar-cinnamon mixture over buttered dough.

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

Tools and Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
4 oz cream cheese softened vegan cream cheese
3 tablespoons butter softened vegan butter
¾ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Additional Information

Notes: For a dairy-free version, use almond milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese. To prepare in advance, roll and cut the cinnamon rolls, then refrigerate them overnight or freeze them before baking.

Tags

breakfast brunch dessert