Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These easy homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy treat, they come with a rich cream cheese frosting that takes them to the next level. Follow this ultimate recipe guide for delicious results every time.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons milk, or more to reach desired frosting consistency

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
3. Step 3: Add the melted butter and beaten egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky; add flour a tablespoon at a time if needed.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until smooth.
7. Step 7: Once risen, gently punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
8. Step 8: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge.
9. Step 9: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
10. Step 10: Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss.
11. Step 11: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
12. Step 12: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Step 13: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Tent with foil if the tops brown too quickly.
14. Step 14: Let the rolls cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
15. Step 15: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
16. Step 16: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined, then stir in vanilla extract.
17. Step 17: Add milk a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
18. Step 18: Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
19. Step 19: Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls!

Tips & Variations

• For extra softness, brush the rolls with melted butter right after baking.
• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with bread flour for chewier rolls.
• Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for added texture.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar in the filling by a quarter cup.

Storage

Store cooled 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. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, then refresh with extra frosting if desired.

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 and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before rolling, filling, and baking.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt or use a simple powdered sugar glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a lighter topping.

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 124 reviews

This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls recipe guides you through making soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls from scratch. With a sweet cinnamon filling and creamy cream cheese frosting, these classic breakfast treats are perfect for any occasion. The detailed steps ensure a perfect dough rise and tender crumb with a rich, flavorful filling and luscious icing.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Filling Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Frosting Ingredients

• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–4 tablespoons milk, or more to reach desired consistency

Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt until evenly mixed.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, combine the warmed milk and active dry yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter and beaten egg to the yeast mixture and whisk to combine. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes. The dough should be tacky but not sticky; add flour tablespoon by tablespoon if too sticky.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat it evenly. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl to form a smooth cinnamon-sugar paste.
7. Roll Out the Dough: Once doubled, gently punch down the dough to release air. Turn it onto a floured surface and roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
8. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges for sealing.
9. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal the roll.
10. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
11. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes or until puffy.
12. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Bake the Rolls: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, tenting with foil if tops brown too quickly.
14. Cool Slightly: Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
15. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: While baking, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.
16. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed until combined, then stir in vanilla extract.
17. Adjust Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time until frosting reaches desired spreadable consistency.
18. Frost the Rolls: Generously spread cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
19. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the cinnamon rolls warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure milk temperature is 110-115°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
• Knead dough until elastic but not sticky to ensure soft texture.
• Alternate rolling and resting if dough becomes resistant to rolling out.
• Tenting rolls with foil during baking prevents over-browning.
• Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and rise.
• For thicker frosting, reduce milk; for thinner frosting, add more milk gradually.
• Roll slices tightly for well-defined spiral rolls.

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastry, cream cheese frosting, sweet rolls, yeast dough, cinnamon sugar rolls