Description
Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with tender, fluffy dough swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Perfect for cozy breakfasts, brunches, or comforting snacks.
Ingredients
																
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			Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup lukewarm milk (plant-based options can be used)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (vegan butter can be substituted)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Filling
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (vegan butter if preferred)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (vegan cream cheese can be used)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (vegan butter can be used)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or pure maple syrup for variation)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm, then stir in the granulated sugar and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the egg, melted butter, and yeast mixture. Knead by hand or mixer until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and set in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined and spreadable.
- Roll and Fill: Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 16 by 12 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly to the edges.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting from the longer side, roll tightly into a log. Slice into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss. Arrange rolls in a greased baking pan with space to expand.
- Second Rise and Bake: Cover rolls and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness if needed.
- Frost and Serve: Spread frosting generously over warm rolls so it melts in, creating a gooey topping.
Notes
- Use lukewarm milk to properly activate yeast without killing it.
- Do not over-flour the dough to keep rolls soft and slightly sticky.
- Slice rolls evenly using dental floss or a serrated knife for clean cuts.
- Don’t skip the second rise to ensure tender, fluffy texture.
- Apply frosting while rolls are warm for the best gooeyness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, breakfast, brunch, sweet rolls, cinnamon sugar, homemade
