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Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting


  • Author: David
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Prepare the Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined and spreadable.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness if needed.
  8. 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