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Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/easy-homemade-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/