This Gooey Cinnamon Roll Recipe is life-changing! No kneading required—the rolls rise big and fluffy with a sweet cinnamon center, topped with cream cheese frosting.
author’s note
These Cinnamon Rolls Changed Everything!
If cinnamon rolls have intimidated you in the past, this recipe is for you!
These are the best cinnamon rolls! They’re ridiculously big, ultra-soft, flavorful, and evenly sweet with gooey centers.
This no-knead bread recipe is a staple at my home because it is so simple, so I had the idea to adapt that recipe to make dinner rolls. Now, I’ve created a similar recipe focused on cinnamon rolls.
So let’s break down the “magic” of these cinnamon rolls:
- A “secret” ingredient gives ultra-gooey cinnamon rolls!
- No stand or hand mixer is needed for the dough.
- Mix the dough by hand with just a spatula.
- No kneading is required.
- Can be made ahead of time and baked when needed or prepared same day.
Gooey Cinnamon Roll Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tips & Swaps |
|---|---|
| Yeast | Instant yeast is my preference, but active dry yeast works too. Active dry yeast may need a little more rising time. |
| Whole milk | Milk should be warm to the touch but not hot! |
| All-purpose flour | Measure carefully and avoid adding too much extra flour. |
| Butter | We’re using butter in a couple different places, when melting make sure you give it time to cool before using. |
| Light brown sugar | Gently pack it into the measuring cup. It melts into the butter and cinnamon for that gooey center. |
| Cinnamon | Can’t have a cinnamon roll without this one! Feel free to add more. |
| Heavy cream | Don’t skip this! Warm it briefly, then brush it over the risen rolls right before baking for extra-soft, gooey centers. |
| Cream cheese | Bring it to room temp before making the frosting so it blends up smooth and creamy. |
How To Make This Gooey Cinnamon Roll Recipe
- Proof yeast: Mix warm milk, yeast, and a little sugar. Let sit until foamy.
- Dough: Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir with a spatula dough forms.
- Let it rise: Cover and let the dough rise until about tripled in size.
- Roll: Roll into a rectangle, spread with butter, then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
- Shape rolls: Roll up tightly, cut into 12 pieces, and place in a greased baking dish.
- Rise again: Cover and let the rolls puff up for about 20–30 minutes.
- Bake: Brush warm heavy cream over the rolls, then bake until the edges turn golden.
- Frost: Cool for 5–10 minutes, then spread with cream cheese frosting.
chelsea’s recipe tips
Giant Gooey Cinnamon Roll Recipe Tips
- Tools: Cinnamon rolls don’t need many tools, but a sturdy spatula, pastry brush, and ceramic baking dish are helpful.
- Use fresh yeast: If the milk and yeast mixture doesn’t get creamy and foamy, start again.
- Let the dough rise enough: Don’t rush the first rise just because the recipe gives a time range.
- Roll the log snugly: This creates more defined cinnamon-sugar layers.
- Don’t overbake: Start checking once the rolls are golden and use the center roll to determine doneness.
- Wait a few mins before frosting: Five to 10 minutes is the sweet spot for me.
Troubleshooting Gooey Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Storage
Leftovers?
from-scratch cinnamon rolls are best eaten the day they’re made.
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then wrap each roll in plastic wrap.
Store at room temperature (refrigeration makes them stale faster) and reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before eating.
Quick Tip
Because this is a bit of a unique/non-traditional straightforward cinnamon roll recipe, It is worth watching the quick video tutorial and giving the recipe a quick read before starting!
Use Leftover Yeast In:
Appetizers
French Bread Recipe
Muffins And Quick Breads
Fry Bread Recipe
Lunch
White Bread Recipe
