This Ina Garten Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, which includes brown sugar and cream cheese glaze. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

How To Make Ina Garten Cinnamon Rolls
- Make the dough: Combine warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit 5–7 minutes until bubbly. In a large bowl, whisk sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture. Add flour one cup at a time until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and rise: Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes or use a mixer with dough hook for 5–7 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled.
- Make the filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Set aside.
- Roll and fill: Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over dough, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Shape the rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long side. Pinch the seam to seal and cut into 12 equal slices.
- Second rise: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
- Make the glaze: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach desired consistency.
- Frost and serve: Spread glaze over warm rolls and enjoy immediately.

Recipe Tips
-
Can I make cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the night before, refrigerate after step 6, and bake in the morning. -
How to cut perfect rolls:
Use unflavored dental floss to slice cleanly without squishing the dough. -
What if my dough isn’t rising?
Make sure your milk isn’t too hot and your yeast isn’t expired. -
Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Yes, freeze unbaked rolls after slicing or freeze baked rolls without glaze. -
How to make the glaze thicker or thinner:
Add more powdered sugar to thicken, or more milk to thin it out.
What To Serve With Cinnamon Rolls
These warm, gooey cinnamon rolls pair perfectly with:
- Hot coffee or chai latte
- Fresh fruit or fruit salad
- Bacon or sausage links
- Scrambled eggs
- Mimosas or brunch cocktails

How To Store Cinnamon Rolls
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Store glazed rolls for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
Freeze: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before glazing.
Cinnamon Rolls Nutrition Facts (per roll, est.)
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 230mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on portion size and ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes, skip the proofing step and mix it directly with dry ingredients.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9×13-inch pan works best for 12 standard cinnamon rolls.
Do I need to scald the milk?
No, just make sure it’s warm (about 110°F) but not hot.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Yes! Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or raisins before rolling.
How long do these stay soft?
They’re best the day of, but stay soft for 1–2 days if covered tightly.
Try More Recipes:
Ina Garten Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Course: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings20
minutes25
minutes420
kcalSoft, buttery cinnamon rolls topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze—perfect for holidays or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
-
1 cup warm milk
-
1 packet active dry yeast
-
⅓ cup sugar
-
4 tbsp melted butter
-
2 eggs
-
4 cups flour
-
1 tsp salt
- For the Filling:
-
4 tbsp butter
-
¾ cup brown sugar
-
1 tbsp cinnamon
-
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- For the Glaze:
-
4 oz cream cheese
-
4 tbsp butter
-
1 cup powdered sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla
-
2–3 tbsp milk
Directions
- Combine yeast and milk, let sit until foamy. Mix with sugar, butter, eggs, and salt. Add flour gradually to form dough.
- Knead 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–7 minutes in mixer. Let rise until doubled.
- Mix filling ingredients. Roll dough into 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread butter, sprinkle filling.
- Roll up tightly, slice into 12 rolls. Place in greased 9×13-inch pan. Let rise 30–45 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Beat glaze ingredients until smooth. Spread on warm rolls and serve.
