Soft and Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Soft and Gooey Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large eggs, at room temperature; 3/4 cup warm whole milk (100 to 110°F [35 to 42°C]); 1/4 cup (85 g) honey; 4 cups (568 g) all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast; 2 teaspoons salt; 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks or 142 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces; 1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 2 tablespoons (29 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 8 tablespoons (1 stick or 113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 4 ounces (114 g) cream cheese, room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar

Jena Ellison

Update : November 6, 2025

Deliciously soft and gooey cinnamon rolls drizzled with icing on a plate.

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Soft and Gooey Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

There’s nothing quite like pulling a tray of Soft and Gooey Cinnamon Rolls out of the oven on a Sunday morning. The aroma fills your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around in anticipation of that first warm, fluffy bite. This recipe is about more than just satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating a moment of comfort and joy with loved ones. Trust me, when you make these cinnamon rolls, the smiles will be worth the effort!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

What sets these cinnamon rolls apart is their incredible texture and flavor. Not only are they soft and gooey, but they’re also made with wholesome ingredients that elevate them from the store-bought options. Perfect for a weekend brunch, holiday gatherings, or a cozy evening treat, these rolls are a sweet embrace for any occasion.

“I made these for a family gathering, and they were gone in minutes! Everyone kept asking for the recipe. I can’t believe how easy they were to make!” — A happy home baker

The Cooking Process Explained

Ready to dive into the joy of baking? Making these Soft and Gooey Cinnamon Rolls involves three main steps: preparing the dough, assembling the rolls, and whipping up a decadent icing to drizzle on top. It’s a straightforward process that yields an indulgent result, perfect for even novice bakers.

In just a little over two hours (most of which is downtime while the dough rises), you’ll have freshly baked rolls ready for feasting.

What You’ll Need

Gather These Items:

4 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup warm whole milk (100 to 110°F [35 to 42°C])
1/4 cup (85 g) honey
4 cups (568 g) all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
2 teaspoons salt
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks or 142 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons (29 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
8 tablespoons (1 stick or 113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 ounces (114 g) cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar

Note: You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave if desired. Also, almond milk can replace whole milk for a lighter version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Directions to Follow:

Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and honey. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and brown sugar.
Combine Ingredients: Add the eggs, softened butter pieces, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes or until it’s smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Roll and Fill: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle. Spread softened butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt over the surface. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
Make the Icing: In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Glaze & Serve: Drizzle the icing over warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!

For overnight cinnamon rolls: After cutting the rolls, cover the baking dish and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Take them out about 30 minutes before baking to let them come to room temperature.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serving these cinnamon rolls is part of the experience! Warm them up and serve with a side of coffee or your favorite tea for a delightful morning treat. You can also pair them with fresh fruit or a light yogurt to balance the sweetness. For added flair, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch!

How to Store & Freeze

To keep your leftover cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Simply wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They should last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm them up in the oven.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation and smoother dough.
If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, a splash of milk should do the trick.
Let your cinnamon rolls cool slightly before icing them, so the icing doesn’t melt off entirely.

Creative Twists

While the classic cinnamon roll is always a hit, consider trying variations. You could add chocolate chips for a mocha version, switch the cinnamon for cardamom, or even make a caramel pecan roll. The possibilities are endless and fun to explore!

Common Questions

What’s the prep time for this recipe?

Preparation takes about 20 minutes, but remember you will need around 3 hours total for rising time.

Can I make this a nut-free version?

Absolutely, just ensure your butter and any other ingredients are clearly labeled as nut-free.

How should I store these cinnamon rolls to keep them fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.

With the perfect soft texture, rich flavor, and simple steps to create, these Soft and Gooey Cinnamon Rolls will undoubtedly become your go-to sweet treat!