I’m not going to beat around the bush—Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls are pure decadence. They’re that perfect mix of soft, fluffy dough, swirls of rich cinnamon, and a frosting so good it’ll make you weak at the knees. Trust me, this recipe is going to elevate your baking game to a whole new level.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to create these masterpieces right in your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Recipe Overview

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Total Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the steps, make sure you’ve got all the right gear. Nothing fancy, just the basics, but you’ll need them all:

Mixing bowls
Rolling pin
Baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Kitchen scale (optional but recommended)

Ingredients

Let’s get to the heart of the matter—what you’ll need to whip up these legendary Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls. I’ve broken it down for you in the table below:

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	4 cups
Granulated sugar	1/2 cup
Salt	1 tsp
Instant yeast	2 1/4 tsp
Milk (warm)	1 cup
Unsalted butter (melted)	1/4 cup
Large eggs	2
Brown sugar	3/4 cup
Ground cinnamon	2 tbsp
Softened butter	1/4 cup
Cream cheese	4 oz
Powdered sugar	1 1/2 cups
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Heavy cream	2 tbsp

Fact: Cinnamon rolls originated in Sweden, where they’re called “kanelbulle,” and October 4th is even celebrated as Cinnamon Roll Day!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s where the magic happens. I’m going to guide you through the process, step by step, to ensure you get perfect results every time.

1. Making the Dough

Mix the flour, yeast, granulated sugar, and salt together in a sizable mixing bowl.
Pour in the warm milk and melted butter, then crack in the eggs.
Mix until a dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook, or go old school and knead by hand for about 10 minutes.
Once the dough is smooth and elastic, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Note: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot. Hot milk can kill the yeast, and your dough won’t rise.

2. Preparing the Filling

Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon powder in a small bowl.
Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 15×9 inches.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.

Warning: Be generous with the filling. Skimping here is a crime against cinnamon rolls!

3. Rolling and Cutting

Make a tight log shape with the dough by rolling it from the long edge inward.
Slice the log into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, you heard that right—dental floss gives you clean cuts without squishing the dough).
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each one.

Fact: The spiral pattern in cinnamon rolls symbolizes the cycle of life, a sweet treat in many cultures.

4. Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up nicely.

Note: If you’re short on time, you can make the rolls up to this point and refrigerate them overnight. Before you bake them, just let them cool down.

5. Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.

Warning: Don’t overbake them. You want the centers to be soft and gooey, not dry.

6. Preparing the Frosting

While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth.
Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls, letting it melt into every nook and cranny.

Fact: Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven. They freeze well too, so you can always have some on hand for a quick treat.

Additional Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start. This will make the dough and frosting much smoother.
Extra Fluffiness: For even fluffier rolls, add an extra 2 tablespoons of yeast. Just be prepared for some seriously puffy rolls!
Custom Fillings: Don’t be afraid to get creative. Try adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even a layer of Nutella for a different twist.

Pairing Suggestions

Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls are pretty much perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to make a full meal out of it, here are a few suggestions:

Hot coffee or espresso
Vanilla ice cream
Fresh fruit salad

Nutrition in Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	450
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	60g
Protein	6g
Sugar	30g
Fiber	2g

Approximation Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.

Dietary Information

Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls can be adapted for different diets with a few tweaks:

Vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian.
Vegan: Swap out the dairy and eggs for plant-based alternatives.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend that works well for yeast doughs.

Note: Always check labels when making substitutions to ensure your ingredients are truly suitable for your dietary needs.

FAQs about Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls

1. Can I make Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, bring them to room temperature and bake.

2. How should leftover cinnamon rolls be stored?

Keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days in a container that keeps air out. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them—just pop them in the microwave to reheat.

3. Can I freeze Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes, these rolls freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re completely cool before freezing, and wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

4. How can I make Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and milk, and swap the cream cheese in the frosting for a dairy-free version.

5. What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?

Check the temperature of your kitchen—if it’s too cold, the dough won’t rise well. You can also try warming your oven slightly, turning it off, and letting the dough rise in there.

6. Can I add other flavors to the filling?

Definitely! Some great options are orange zest, cardamom, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

7. What’s the secret to super soft cinnamon rolls?

Don’t overbake them, and be generous with the frosting. The frosting helps keep the rolls soft and moist.

Conclusion

Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience. From the moment you start mixing the dough to that first warm, gooey bite, these rolls are going to impress every time. So go ahead, get your ingredients, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen. You’ll never look at store-bought cinnamon rolls the same way again.

Feel free to leave comments, questions, or feedback on this recipe. I’d love to hear how your rolls turned out!

Check out some more delicious dessert recipes: