If you’ve been dreaming of that perfect soft, gooey, bakery-style cinnamon roll that melts in your mouth, this is the recipe for you.

These rolls are pillowy, buttery, and swirled with a rich cinnamon sugar filling, finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting.

Whether you like your cinnamon rolls extra-sticky or light and fluffy, I’ll show you how to make them both ways with easy, no-fail steps.

Welcome To Smart Kitchen BY EYA

Hi, I’m EYA here to help you cook smarter, save time, reduce food waste, and make the most of every corner of your kitchen.

For the Dough

• 5 ½ cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour for softer texture)

• ⅔ cup granulated sugar

• 1 ½ cups whole milk (warm, not hot)

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 packs instant yeast (about 14g total)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened

Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1 – Make the Dough

1. In a dough maker or stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, and yeast.

2. Add the salt (keep it separate from the yeast at first), then pour in warm milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and softened butter.

3. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth, soft, and slightly stretchy.

4. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
   
   💡 Tip: If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl in a slightly warm (turned-off) oven to help it rise faster.

I Use The Fermentation Function in My Joydeem Electric Dough Maker to keep it warm as it has a small heating unit at the base, allowing it to maintain a fermentation range between 77-100℉

🥮 Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Rolls

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For the Filling

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional, but adds depth)

• ½ teaspoon salt

Step 2 – Make the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

2. You have two options for the filling:
   

   • Classic bakery-style: Spread butter directly over the rolled dough, then sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture.

   • Extra-gooey style: Mix softened butter into the sugar mixture to form a spreadable paste.

Both methods are delicious, the second gives you those sticky, melt-in-your-mouth centers.

Step 3 – Shape the Rolls

1. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a large rectangle (about ¼ inch thick).

2. For the First filling option: Spread your butter then sprinkle the sugar mixture or for the second option spread the butter-cinnamon mixture evenly over the surface, reaching all edges.

3. Roll up the dough tightly starting from the long edge.

4. Cut into 1 to 1½ inch slices using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cuts.

1. Classic bakery-style: keep the butter seperatly to spread directly over the rolled dough, then sprinkle the sugar

2. Extra-gooey style: Mix softened butter into the sugar mixture until it becomes a spreadable paste.

Step 4 – Arrange & Proof

1. Butter your baking dish (or line with parchment if not non-stick).

2. Place rolls in the dish, leaving a little space between them for rising.

3. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid (avoid towels, they absorb moisture).

4. Let rise for 25–30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Step 5 – Add the Secret Ingredient

Right before baking, pour heavy whipping cream over the rolls:

• 1 teaspoon per roll for regular cinnamon rolls.

• 2 teaspoons per roll for extra-gooey cinnamon rolls.

This step makes them incredibly soft and rich, just like the ones from your favorite bakery. Watch the video here to see the result.

Step 6 – Bake

Bake for 25 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.

Don’t over bake, you want them soft, not dry!

Rotate the pan halfway through if your oven browns unevenly.

Step 7 – Make the Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter.

2. Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, maple syrup, and salt.

3. Whip until light, smooth, and fluffy.

💡 Tip: For extra shine, add a splash of warm milk or heavy cream to loosen the frosting.

2. Evenly distribute the sugar mixture and press it firmly down.

1. Spread the Soften butter evenly over the the surface of the dough.

1. Spread the butter-cinnamon mixture evenly over the the surface of the dough.

2. Ensure you cover all edges and maintain uniformity across the entire surface.

1. Before baking

2. After baking

Step 8 – Frost and Serve
Spread a thin layer of frosting over the warm rolls right out of the oven to make them extra gooey.

Let cool for 10 minutes, then spread the rest generously.
Soft, buttery, and dripping with creamy frosting! Absolute perfection!

🍯 Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and oat or almond milk.

• Sugar swap: Coconut sugar or maple sugar work beautifully.

• Filling twist: Add crushed nuts, orange zest, or a touch of cardamom for flavor variation.

🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerate: Up to 5 days, reheat 20 seconds in the microwave before serving.

• Freeze: Wrap unfrosted rolls tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, then warm and frost fresh.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the smell of homemade cinnamon rolls baking in your kitchen.

Whether you go for the gooey cream-soaked version or the classic bakery style, this recipe guarantees soft, flavorful rolls every single time.

Make them once and your family will start asking for them every weekend!

If you try this recipe, tag me on Instagram @life.by.eya . I’d love to see your cinnamon roll creations!

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If you love tips on freezing, storing, and enjoying food the smart way, you're in the right place! Don’t forget to Grab my Free Guide: 10 Foods You’re Freezing Wrong (And How to Fix It)

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