Quick Yeast Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen—especially when they come together in just 90 minutes. These quick yeast cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar center. Topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast & Easy

With instant yeast, these cinnamon rolls rise quickly, so you can enjoy homemade, bakery-style rolls in under two hours.

Soft & Gooey Texture

These rolls bake up ultra-soft with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar swirl and a rich, creamy frosting that melts into every bite.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning, a special brunch, or a holiday breakfast, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Cinnamon Roll Dough

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant dry yeast
• 1 tsp fine salt
• 1 cup whole milk (warm, but not hot)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (very soft)
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp fine salt

Cream Cheese Frosting

• ¼ cup full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp fine salt
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp heavy cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough

Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) if baking the same day. If making ahead, skip this step.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together flour, yeast, and salt.

In a separate bowl, microwave milk, sugar, and butter for one minute. Stir until the butter melts. The mixture should be warm but not hot.

Slowly pour the warm liquid into the dry ingredients and mix.

Add the egg and mix until a sticky dough forms.

Knead the dough for five minutes by hand or in a stand mixer with a dough hook until it becomes soft and elastic.

If the dough is too sticky, add one tablespoon of flour at a time until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Cover and let the dough rest for 10 to 20 minutes.

Roll & Fill the Dough

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.

Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.

Mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then sprinkle over the butter.

Tightly roll up the dough, starting from the longer side, into a log.

Slice into 9 to 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Let the Rolls Rise

Place rolls in a greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan.

Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.

Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until golden brown.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Add vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar, then mix until creamy.

Add heavy cream and beat until light and fluffy.

Frost & Serve

Let the cinnamon rolls cool for five minutes, then spread the frosting on top while they’re still warm.

Serve immediately and enjoy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

Don’t overheat the milk—if it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.

Use dental floss to cut the rolls to keep them perfectly round without squishing them.

Common Mistakes

Dough too dry? Add a splash of milk.

Dough too sticky? Knead in extra flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Filling leaking out? Roll the dough tightly and avoid overfilling.

Time-Saving Tips

Make ahead by prepping the rolls the night before, refrigerating overnight, and baking fresh in the morning.

Speed up rising by placing the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off).

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

Serve with scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast.

Add a fruit salad for a fresh, light contrast.

Presentation Ideas

Drizzle extra frosting on top for a bakery-style look.

Sprinkle with chopped pecans or cinnamon sugar for extra flair.

Beverage Pairings

Coffee or espresso balances the sweetness.

Hot chocolate makes for a cozy, indulgent pairing.

Chai latte complements the warm spices.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months.

Reheating Methods

Microwave for 15 to 20 seconds for a quick warm-up.

Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Active Dry Yeast Instead of Instant Yeast?

Yes. Just bloom the yeast first by dissolving it in warm milk with sugar and letting it sit for five to ten minutes before mixing with the dry ingredients.

How Can I Make These Rolls Dairy-Free?

Use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk.

Swap vegan butter for regular butter.

Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.

Can I Make These Overnight?

Absolutely. Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as usual.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

For gluten-free rolls, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.

For a vegan version, replace butter, milk, and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives.

Flavor Twists

Add orange zest to the filling for a citrusy kick.

Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent touch.

Holiday Versions

Pumpkin Spice Rolls – Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice.

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside.

More Delicious Breakfast Recipes

If you love these cinnamon rolls, you’ll also enjoy:

Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – A fun and easy recipe for a quick savory snack.

Classic French Toast – A simple, delicious breakfast made in just 20 minutes.

French Omelette with Fines Herbes – A light, fluffy omelette packed with fresh herbs.

Final Thoughts

These quick yeast cinnamon rolls are everything you want in a homemade treat—soft, gooey, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Try them out and let me know how they turn out. Drop a comment below or share a picture on Pinterest. Happy baking!

Print