Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

These easy cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and finished with a rich cream cheese glaze. Using frozen bread dough eliminates the need to knead or wait for long rises, making this one of the fastest ways to enjoy warm, homemade-style cinnamon rolls.

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“These were winners in our house! We usually buy the Rhodes cinnamon rolls but I tried this recipe and they were a hit!” — Gretchen

Why You’ll Love These Simple Cinnamon Rolls (No Yeast Work Required)

• No dough-making needed – Frozen bread dough removes the need for yeast management, kneading, and multiple rises. Thaw, roll, fill, and bake.
• Soft and gooey – These rolls come out tender and moist with a caramelized center from the brown sugar filling.
• Great for busy mornings – You can assemble the night before and bake in the morning, or prepare quickly when guests arrive.
• Scratch-like flavor – The finished rolls taste very similar to scratch-made versions thanks to the simple, classic filling and cream cheese glaze.
• Creamy glaze – A smooth cream cheese icing melts into the warm spirals for a decadent finish.

Easy Cinnamon Roll Ingredients

This recipe uses a handful of common ingredients and makes 12 large cinnamon rolls. Prep takes about 10–15 minutes and they bake in roughly 25 minutes.

Frozen bread dough: Using frozen bread dough is the time-saver here. Brands such as Rhodes Italian Bread Dough or Primo Taglio Pizza Dough work well; you can also use dough from a local pizzeria if available. Thaw the dough before working with it.

Brown sugar and granulated sugar: Brown sugar brings that caramel, sticky center while a bit of granulated sugar balances sweetness and texture.

Butter: Melted butter is brushed over the dough to help the filling adhere and to encourage browning. Use salted or unsalted to taste.

Ground cinnamon: The essential spice that gives cinnamon rolls their classic flavor.

Cream Cheese Icing for Cinnamon Rolls

No roll is complete without a generous cream cheese glaze. This icing is quick to make and pours easily over warm rolls.

• Butter — room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Cream cheese — softened to avoid lumps.
• Powdered sugar — gives the glaze a silky texture and balanced sweetness.
• Vanilla extract — adds warmth and depth.
• Whole milk — a splash to thin to the desired consistency.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Rolls

1. Prep the dough: Let the frozen bread dough thaw completely according to package directions.
2. Flour your surface: Lightly dust your counter or pastry mat so the dough won’t stick.
3. Roll out the dough: Shape the dough into a rectangle about 15 inches long and 5–6 inches wide. It does not need to be perfect.
4. Brush with butter: Spread melted butter over the entire surface. Reserve a little to brush on the tops before baking.
5. Make the filling: Stir together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
6. Cover with filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, to the edges.
7. Roll it tightly: Starting at the long side, roll the dough into a tight log to create even swirls.
8. Slice into rolls: Cut the log into 12 equal slices. A sharp knife works well; dental floss can also make clean cuts.
9. Arrange and bake: Place the slices in a buttered cast iron skillet or a 9×13 baking dish with a little space between each. Brush the tops with the reserved butter and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, until golden and puffed.
10. Glaze: Whip the cream cheese icing until smooth, then pour it over the warm rolls so it melts into every swirl.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Add-ins: For extra flavor, sprinkle mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut on the butter before adding the sugar mixture.

Flavored icing: Add a drop of almond, lemon, or orange extract to the glaze for a different twist.

Caramel option: Swap the cream cheese glaze for a drizzle of caramel sauce for a gooey topping.

Mini rolls: Slice the log into 16 smaller pieces to make bite-sized rolls that bake faster and are perfect for parties.

Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pizza or bread dough if you need a gluten-free version.

How to Store Cinnamon Rolls

Room temperature: Keep cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days so they stay soft and fresh.

Refrigerate: Store sealed in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Warm gently before serving to restore softness.

Freeze: Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months. Wrap individually or store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw and reheat when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you thaw frozen bread dough for cinnamon rolls?

Leave the dough in its package at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it reaches approximately 55–60°F, or thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Follow any package instructions for best results.

What does pouring heavy cream on cinnamon rolls do?

Adding a bit of heavy cream before baking gives the rolls extra richness and moisture, producing a slightly more tender crumb. It’s optional for this recipe but can be tried if you prefer a richer texture.

Do you put the icing on cinnamon rolls before baking?

Icing is most often added after baking so it melts into the warm rolls. Some bakers brush a glaze on before baking for a sticky exterior, but for the classic cream cheese finish, wait until the rolls are out of the oven.

At what temperature should cinnamon rolls be baked?

Bake at a moderate temperature, 350°F (175°C), so the rolls brown on the outside while remaining soft and fully cooked inside. For this recipe, 20–25 minutes works well.

More Brunch Recipes

• Bakery-Style Blueberry Banana Muffins
• The Best French Toast Puffs
• The Best Easy Frittata Recipe
• Blackberry Muffins with Streusel Topping

If you’re looking for an easy path to classic cinnamon rolls, this recipe delivers—no fuss and all of the flavor. Try it for weekend brunch, a special breakfast, or when you want a quick, comforting bake.

Tried it? Leave a comment and a star rating below to share how your cinnamon rolls turned out!