Irresistible Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Discover soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that will satisfy your sweet cravings every time. These Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting combine a tender, fluffy dough swirled with fragrant cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious, smooth frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy weekend breakfast or impressing guests at brunch, this recipe promises a delightful experience with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Fluffy Texture: The dough is perfectly airy, making each roll tender and light.
• Perfect Sweet and Tangy Balance: Cream cheese frosting adds a creamy tang that complements the sweet cinnamon filling.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday kitchen staples for easy preparation without sacrificing flavor.
• Homemade Goodness: No shortcuts here, the freshest ingredients turn into irresistible rolls.
• Great for Any Occasion: A crowd-pleaser for breakfasts, brunches, or comforting snacks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting lies in their simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role to ensure delightful softness, rich flavor, and that beautiful golden color that invites first bites.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and chewiness needed for soft rolls.
• Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully and develop airiness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and activates the yeast perfectly.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness, contributing to tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Used in the dough and filling to add a rich, buttery flavor.
• Egg: Binds the dough and gives it a slight richness.
• Cinnamon: The star of the filling with its warm, aromatic spice.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the filling with a hint of molasses depth.
• Cream Cheese: The base for the frosting, lending tang and creaminess.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a fragrant sweetness enhancing both frosting and dough.

Variations for Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Feel free to get creative with these cinnamon rolls. This recipe is a fantastic base that adapts well to your personal tastes, dietary needs, or special occasions.

• Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy texture contrast.
• Fruit Twist: Mix in raisins or dried cranberries into the cinnamon sugar swirl for bursts of sweetness.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese to recreate these rolls.
• Spiced Up: Enhance the filling with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex flavor.
• Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap vanilla with pure maple syrup in frosting for an extra depth of flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your milk until it’s lukewarm, then stir in the sugar and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it froths, signaling the yeast is active. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, then add in the egg, melted butter, and yeast mixture. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Leave it in a warm spot to rise until it doubles in size, usually 1 to 1.5 hours. This step is crucial for achieving soft, airy rolls.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to create a rich, spreadable filling that’s packed with sweet and spicy flavor.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16 by 12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface, making sure to reach the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice it into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving a little room for expansion.

Step 6: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness with more powdered sugar if needed.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top while still warm so it melts into the rolls, creating that irresistible gooey topping.

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Use Lukewarm Milk: Ensures the yeast activates properly without killing it with heat.
• Don’t Over Flour: Adding too much flour can make rolls dense; keep dough slightly sticky.
• Even Slicing: Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for perfectly even rolls.
• Second Rise is Key: Don’t skip the second rise it creates that soft, pillowy texture.
• Frost While Warm: Spread frosting on warm rolls so it seeps in for maximum gooeyness.

How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Top with a light dusting of cinnamon powder, a few chopped toasted nuts, or even a sprinkle of finely shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) for an appealing finish that adds subtle new textures.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a citrus salad to balance sweetness with brightness. A warm cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider vinegar-based hot beverage enhances the cozy vibe perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rolls in a rustic cast-iron skillet fresh from the oven for a homey feel, or plate individually with a drizzle of extra frosting and a sprig of mint for elegant presentation. Gift them in a lined basket for a charming homemade treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain softness. Refrigeration can be used but may dry them out slightly.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked rolls in the pan, covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and allow to rise before baking. You can also freeze baked rolls wrapped individually for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Warm rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. Add a little extra frosting or butter on top before serving for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, cover and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature and rise before rolling and filling the next day.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?

You can substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese or a smooth, thick coconut yogurt if you prefer a dairy-free option.

How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?

Make sure not to overfill the rolls with the cinnamon sugar mixture and allow enough space between rolls when placing them in the pan for proper baking.

Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?

Absolutely! Simply add all the dough ingredients to your bread machine and use the dough setting. Then proceed with rolling, filling, and baking as usual.

How long should I let the rolls rise the second time?

The second rise should be about 30 to 45 minutes until the rolls are puffy and almost doubled in size, which ensures tender, fluffy results.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a true delight that can brighten any morning or sweet moment. The combination of tender dough, warm cinnamon filling, and rich frosting is hard to resist. I encourage you to try this recipe and make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery. You’ll love the smiles it brings around your table!

Related Posts

• Easy Buffalo Chicken Biscuit Bombs Recipe
• How to Make Soft and Tasty Apple Bread
• Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Print