Activate the yeast

• In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk along with 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
• If the yeast is active, it will become foamy and bubbly on top.

Make the dough

• In the bowl of your mixer, add the remaining sugar, butter, salt, eggs, and flour.
• Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until the dough comes together and pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl.

Let it rise

• Place the dough into an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare your pan

• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Make the filling

• Stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Set aside while you roll the dough.

Roll out the dough

• On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.

Fill and roll

• Spread the ⅓ cup softened butter evenly over the dough.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the entire surface.
• Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.

Slice

• Cut into 1½-inch slices and arrange in your greased baking pan. I cut in the middle first, and then cut each half into 6 equal rolls to form a dozen

Second rise

• Cover the rolls with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled.

✨ Make-Ahead Option (Perfect for Christmas Morning!)

Stop at this step. If not, proceed to the baking instructions

• Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• The rolls will continue rising slowly in the fridge.

If they need a little extra lift in the morning:

• Warm the oven to 200°F, place the rolls inside for 30–40 minutes, then proceed with baking.

🍥 Baking the Cinnamon Rolls

• Preheat the oven
• Heat oven to 350°F.

Bake

• Bake rolls for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
• (Every oven varies — check early to avoid overbaking!)

🍴 Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

• While the rolls bake, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
• As soon as the warm rolls come out of the oven, spread a generous layer of frosting over the top so it melts beautifully into every spiral.

💛 Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls

Use lukewarm milk — too hot will kill the yeast.

Don’t overbake! Pull them out when just lightly golden.

Frost while warm for that true Cinnabon-style gooey top.

For extra decadence, add a second layer of frosting once cooled.