Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Cream Cheese Glaze are the ultimate homemade indulgence—soft, buttery spirals filled with rich brown sugar and cinnamon, then topped with a velvety, sweet glaze that melts into every warm crevice. Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or cozy treats, these cinnamon rolls deliver comforting flavor and irresistible texture in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are everything you want in a classic bake: ultra-soft dough, gooey cinnamon filling, and a smooth, tangy-sweet cream cheese glaze that finishes them perfectly. They rise beautifully, bake evenly, and taste even better than bakery versions. With a simple dough and approachable steps, they’re an ideal choice for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

all-purpose flour
instant yeast
granulated sugar
salt
warm milk
warm water
unsalted butter, melted
egg

For the filling:

brown sugar
ground cinnamon
unsalted butter, softened

For the glaze:

cream cheese, softened
unsalted butter, softened
powdered sugar
vanilla extract
milk (as needed for consistency)

directions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
Spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
Roll the dough up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal slices.
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze: beat together cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
Spread the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve fresh.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes rise time)
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Calories per Serving: Approximately 370 kcal

Variations

Overnight rolls: After shaping, cover the pan and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temperature before baking.
Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
Fruit filling: Add a layer of finely chopped apples or raisins before rolling.
Maple glaze: Replace vanilla with maple extract and add a touch of cinnamon to the glaze.
Mini rolls: Slice into 24 smaller rolls and reduce baking time by 5–7 minutes.

storage/reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. For longer storage, freeze baked rolls (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before glazing.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, dissolve it in the warm milk and water with sugar and let it sit until foamy before continuing.

Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?

Absolutely—use the dough hook and knead on medium-low speed for 6–8 minutes.

How do I keep the rolls soft?

Don’t overbake them, and make sure to cover them while they cool slightly to trap moisture.

Can I freeze unbaked rolls?

Yes, freeze them after shaping. Thaw overnight in the fridge and allow to rise before baking.

Is it okay to skip the cream cheese glaze?

Yes, but the glaze adds richness. You can also use a simple vanilla icing or leave them plain.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

Check that your yeast is active and that your liquids weren’t too hot or too cold.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a denser roll.

What’s the best way to cut the rolls evenly?

Use unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife for clean, even slices.

How do I make them extra gooey?

Add a tablespoon of heavy cream over the rolls before baking.

Can I add spices to the dough?

Yes, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom adds warmth and complexity to the dough.

Conclusion

Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Cream Cheese Glaze are a timeless, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. From their pillowy dough to the sweet swirl of cinnamon sugar and smooth glaze on top, every bite is pure indulgence. Whether you’re baking them for brunch, gifting them to friends, or enjoying a cozy weekend morning, this recipe guarantees bakery-style cinnamon rolls right from your kitchen.