Introduction

These cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are soft, gooey, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy treat, they combine a tender dough with a rich, tangy frosting that melts delightfully over each roll.

Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 large egg
½ tsp salt
⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter (softened) for filling
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup unsalted butter (softened) for frosting
1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp milk (to adjust frosting texture)

Instructions

Activate the yeast: In a bowl, stir warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast together. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
Make the dough: Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set the softened butter aside for spreading.
Roll and fill: Roll the dough out into a 14×9 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
Shape the rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 10–12 even rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving slight space between each.
Second rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until they turn golden brown.
Make the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, adjusting the texture to be creamy but spreadable.
Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and enjoy them soft and gooey.

Tips & Variations

For extra gooey rolls, brush the dough with melted butter before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar.
Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for added texture.
If you don’t have cream cheese, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk works well too.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven, then reapply frosting if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling and filling.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and cooked through. You can check by gently pressing the center — it should feel soft but not doughy.

Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.5 from 92 reviews

Delight in these soft and gooey Cinnamon Rolls with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar, these homemade rolls are elevated by a smooth, sweet topping that melts wonderfully over the warm bread for a classic breakfast or dessert treat.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10–12 cinnamon rolls 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 large egg
½ tsp salt

Filling

⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 – 2 tbsp milk (to adjust texture)

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Make the Dough: Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix to form a dough, then knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. Set the softened butter aside to spread later.
Roll & Fill: Roll out the risen dough onto a floured surface into a 14 by 9 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the dough.
Shape the Rolls: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 10 to 12 even rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly apart.
Second Rise: Cover the rolls loosely and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until they are puffed up.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown on top.
Make the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, blending until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
Frost & Serve: While the rolls are still warm, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Serve immediately for the best soft, gooey experience.

Notes

Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
Kneading the dough well develops gluten, making the rolls fluffy.
Allow the second rise for a soft and airy texture.
You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it, baking fresh in the morning.
Adjust the milk quantity in frosting to achieve desired consistency.
For extra indulgence, add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling if desired.

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, homemade cinnamon rolls, breakfast rolls, sweet bread, cinnamon sugar