Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

2. Heat water + butter (cut into pieces) in the microwave for 30–45 sec until warm — soft but not hot. Butter may not fully melt.

3. Add warm mixture + egg into dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon.

4. Add 2 more cups flour and mix. Dough will be thick and sticky.

5. Add 1/2 cup flour, mix again — dough will look shaggy and hard to stir.

6. Switch to using your hands. If sticky, add 1/4 cup flour and knead.

7. Press a clean finger into the dough:

   • If it sticks → add another 1/4 cup flour.

   • If not → shape into a ball.

8. Let dough rest uncovered for 10 minutes. It should puff up a bit.

Roll & Fill

9. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Pat and roll into a 10×15 inch rectangle.

10. Spread softened butter evenly over dough, leaving a ½-inch border.

11. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly, then cinnamon.

12. Roll tightly from the 15-inch side to form a log.

13. Compact the log gently by pressing inward on both ends.

14. Cut rolls using unflavored dental floss:

    • Slide floss under the log

    • Pull ends across the top to cut clean slices

15. Trim ends, then slice log into 12 rolls:

    • Cut log in half →

    • Cut each half in half (4 sections total) →

    • Cut each section into 3 rolls

Rise

16. Place rolls in a buttered 9×13 baking dish (or two 9-inch round pans). Rolls can touch.

17. Cover with a towel and rise 1 hour in a warm place.

• If your house is cold: Warm the oven on its lowest setting, turn it off, then place rolls inside to rise.

Bake

18. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).

19. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until lightly golden on top.

Cream Cheese Icing

20. Mash cream cheese + butter together with a fork until creamy.

21. Add powdered sugar + vanilla, mash again, then whisk until smooth.

22. Spread icing over warm rolls. Enjoy!