admin1 These Sour Cream Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and incredibly rich with a tender bakery-style crumb. The secret ingredient—sour cream—keeps the dough extra moist and gives the rolls a subtle tang that balances perfectly with the sweet cinnamon filling and creamy icing.
Unlike dry or overly sweet versions, these cinnamon rolls bake up pillowy and gooey in the center with golden edges and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or weekend baking, they’re the kind of treat that disappears fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra soft and fluffy texture
- Sour cream adds richness and moisture
- Gooey cinnamon-sugar filling
- Perfect bakery-style rolls at home
- Great for make-ahead baking
- Freezer-friendly
- Ideal for holidays and brunch
- Irresistible cream cheese icing
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 1½–2 hours
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: About 3 hours
Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sour cream (room temperature)
- ½ cup whole milk (warm, 110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Dough
In a large bowl mix:
- Warm milk
- Sugar
- Yeast
Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Temperature
- Milk: 105–110°F (40–43°C)
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add to the yeast mixture:
- Sour cream
- Melted butter
- Egg
- Salt
Mix well.
Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead
Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes in a stand mixer.
The dough should be smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Step 4: First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl.
Cover and let rise until doubled.
Rising Conditions
- Temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
- Time: 1–1½ hours
Step 5: Roll Out Dough
Roll dough into a rectangle:
- About 16 x 12 inches
Step 6: Add Filling
Spread softened butter evenly over dough.
Mix cinnamon and sugars together and sprinkle evenly across.
Step 7: Roll and Cut
Roll dough tightly from the long side.
Cut into 12 equal rolls.
Place in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 8: Second Rise
Cover and let rise again until puffy.
Time
- 30–45 minutes
Step 9: Bake
Preheat oven to:
350°F (175°C)
Bake for:
25–30 minutes
Until golden brown and cooked through.
Internal Temperature
- 190–200°F (88–93°C)
Step 10: Make Icing
Beat together:
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla
- Milk
until smooth and creamy.
Step 11: Ice and Serve
Spread icing over warm rolls.
Let it melt slightly into the swirls.
Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
Use Room Temperature Sour Cream
Helps blend smoothly into dough.
Don’t Overbake
Overbaking leads to dry rolls.
Roll Tightly
Ensures beautiful spiral layers.
Frost While Warm
Creates gooey, melt-in texture.
Variations
Maple Cinnamon Rolls
Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to icing.
Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Replace butter in filling with browned butter.
Nutty Cinnamon Rolls
Add:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
Extra Gooey Rolls
Add a splash of heavy cream over rolls before baking.
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into filling.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Overnight Option
- Prepare rolls
- Refrigerate overnight before second rise
- Bake in the morning
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator
Store up to 5 days.
Warm before serving.
Freezer
Freeze baked rolls up to 2 months.
Thaw and reheat before serving.
Reheating
- Microwave: 20–30 seconds
- Oven: 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes
Nutritional Information
Per Roll (with icing)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
