Follow this straightforward guide to make the popular, fluffy, and gooey cinnamon rolls seen on TikTok. This recipe delivers soft rolls perfect for a weekend breakfast or sweet treat.
Author:ellievance
Prep Time:30 min
Cook Time:22 min
Total Time:147 min
Yield:12 servings 1x
Category:Breakfast
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar plus 1 teaspoon for yeast
1 large egg, room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
Mix the dough: Add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a small bowl until smooth.
Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
Spread the filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge.
Roll and cut: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make the glaze: While the rolls bake, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk until creamy. Add the second tablespoon of milk if the glaze is too thick.
Glaze and serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately spread the warm glaze over the hot rolls. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra gooey cinnamon rolls, let the rolls cool for only 5 minutes after baking before applying the glaze.
If you prefer overnight cinnamon rolls, assemble them completely, cover the pan tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
You can substitute the milk in the glaze with heavy cream for a richer texture.