Pour warm milk into a mixing bowl. Add yeast and one tablespoon sugar. Stir gently and let it rest for 5 minutes. The mixture should become foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise properly.

Mix the Dough

Add melted butter, eggs, remaining sugar, and salt into the yeast mixture. Mix everything slowly. Add flour little by little while mixing. Continue mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should feel smooth but slightly sticky.

Knead the Dough

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8 minutes. Push the dough forward and fold it back. Repeat this process until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Leave it in a warm place for about one hour. The dough should double in size during this time.

Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture looks even. This sweet filling will create the classic cinnamon roll flavor inside the dough.

Roll the Dough

After rising, place the dough on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a large rectangle. The dough should be about ¼ inch thick.

Add Butter and Filling

Spread softened butter evenly over the dough surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Make sure the filling covers the whole dough for even flavor.

Roll the Dough into a Log

Start from the long edge of the dough. Roll it tightly into a long log. This step creates the beautiful swirl layers inside the cinnamon rolls.

Cut the Rolls

Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place each roll into a greased baking dish. Leave a small space between each roll.

Second Rise

Cover the baking dish with a towel. Let the rolls rest for about 30 minutes. They will expand and become fluffy before baking.

Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20–25 minutes. The tops should turn golden brown and the kitchen will smell wonderful.

Make the Frosting

While the rolls bake, mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Add a little milk until the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.

Frost the Warm Rolls

Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting on top while the rolls are still warm.

Serve and Enjoy

Your Paula Deen Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is ready to enjoy. The rolls should be soft, sweet, and filled with cinnamon flavor.