freshly baked cinnamon rolls

Ohhh yes 😍 — nothing beats the smell (and taste!) of freshly baked cinnamon rolls — soft, fluffy dough swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy frosting that melts right in. Pure comfort in pastry form!

Here’s a classic, bakery-style recipe that’s easy enough for any home baker 👇

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🍥 Freshly Baked Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

🥖 For the Dough:

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

• ½ tsp salt

🍯 For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

• Optional: pinch of nutmeg for warmth

🍶 For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and salt. Mix until combined.

3. Stir in flour gradually until a soft dough forms.

4. Knead on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

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2. Prepare the Filling

1. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl to form a spreadable paste.

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3. Shape the Rolls

1. Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches.

2. Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough.

3. Roll tightly from the long side into a log, then cut into 12 even rolls.

4. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

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4. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Bake for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown.

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5. Make the Frosting

• Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

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6. Frost & Serve

• Spread frosting over warm rolls so it melts slightly into all the nooks and swirls.

• Serve immediately — soft, warm, gooey perfection! 🥰

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💡 Tips

• For overnight rolls, refrigerate shaped rolls overnight, then bring to room temp and bake in the morning.

• Add chopped pecans or raisins inside for a bakery-style variation.

• If you like extra gooey rolls, drizzle with a little heavy cream before baking.

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Would you like me to give you a small-batch version (makes just 4–6 rolls — perfect for breakfast without leftovers)?