The second it starts feeling even a little like fall, I want something warm and cinnamon-y baking in the kitchen. These cinnamon rolls are one of my favorite things to make when I’m staying in for a slow morning.

They’re soft, warm, sweet, and make the entire house smell amazing. I love making them with coffee in the morning, putting on a record, and eating one while they’re still warm.

What You’ll Need

For the dough

• ¾ cup warm whole milk
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt

For the cinnamon filling

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the cream cheese icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk

Make the Dough

• Stir the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of the sugar together and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy. Mix in the remaining sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Add the flour and salt and knead for about 8 minutes, until the dough is soft and smooth.

Let It Rise

• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise somewhere warm for about 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Add the Cinnamon Sugar

• Roll the dough into roughly a 14 × 9-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter over it, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll it up tightly from the long side and cut into 9 rolls.

Rise & Bake

• Place the rolls in a greased 9-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes. Bake at 350°F for about 22–27 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.

The Best Part

• Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a little milk until smooth. Spread it over the cinnamon rolls while they’re still slightly warm so the icing gets a little melty.

Homemade cinnamon rolls, coffee, a record playing, and a slow fall morning at home. That’s really all you need.