Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
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.
- 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
