These warm cinnamon rolls are soft, sticky, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth! It’s like a hug for your taste buds.
Who doesn’t love starting the day with freshly baked cinnamon rolls? I can never resist sneaking a few right out of the oven. They’re just too delightful! 😋
Making these rolls is a breeze! I whip up the dough, roll it with gooey cinnamon, bake, and then slather on that sweet frosting. It’s a joyful treat for breakfast or snack time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Warm milk helps activate yeast. If you’re dairy-free, you can use almond, soy, or oat milk. Just make sure it’s warm, not hot!
Active Dry Yeast: The yeast is crucial for fluffy rolls. Instant yeast can also be used; just skip the activation step!
All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour works great here, but if you want a lighter roll, try using bread flour for a chewier texture.
Brown Sugar: This yields a rich flavor in the filling. If you’re out of brown sugar, combine white sugar with a little molasses for a similar effect.
Cream Cheese: Essential for the frosting! If you need a lighter option, Greek yogurt can replace cream cheese, but the flavor and texture will be different.
How Do You Get Your Dough to Rise Perfectly?
To achieve a great rise, temperature is key. Make sure your yeast is active; it should look bubbly after sitting in warm milk. When letting the dough rise, find a warm, draft-free area. You can turn on your oven for a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise!
- Use a warm spot, like a sunny kitchen corner or an oven with just the light on.
- If you’re in a cold climate, place a bowl of hot water in the oven with the dough.
Remember to cover your bowl with a cloth to keep the warmth in. A good rise means light, fluffy rolls!
Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (optional, for consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2-2.5 hours total. You’ll need about 20 minutes for preparation and mixing, then 1.5 hours for the dough to rise, and another 30 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to allow a few minutes for cooling and frosting before digging in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast:
Start by warming the milk to about 110°F. It should feel warm to the touch, but not hot! Sprinkle the yeast over the milk, give it a little stir, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy—this means your yeast is working!
2. Make Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. After the yeast is frothy, add that mixture to the bowl. Gradually mix in the flour one cup at a time until you have a soft dough.
3. Knead Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, you can use it with the dough hook attachment for this step!
4. First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Find a warm spot for it to rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Prepare Filling:
While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Set it aside—it’s going to make your rolls taste amazing!
6. Roll out Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches. Try to get it as even as possible; this helps for even cooking!
7. Add Filling:
Spread the softened butter all over the dough rectangle. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly all over the buttered dough. This layer is what creates those delightful swirls!
8. Form Rolls:
Starting at one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal it. Use a knife or a bench scraper to cut the log into 6 to 8 equal pieces.
9. Second Rise:
Place the rolls in a greased round baking pan, leaving a bit of space between them. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes until they look puffy.
10. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and look deliciously fluffy!
11. Make Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to reach your desired consistency.
12. Frost Rolls:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. They’ll soak it up a little, making them even more delicious!
13. Serve:
Enjoy your cinnamon rolls warm, fresh from the oven, with that gooey frosting just dripping on the soft layers. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat!
This recipe yields a batch of soft, tender cinnamon rolls with classic cream cheese frosting that’s simply irresistible. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! Just keep in mind that the rolls might be denser. For a lighter texture, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them to enjoy later!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the rolls and place them in the baking pan. Cover and refrigerate them overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and rise again before baking.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese for the Frosting?
If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a lighter frosting. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!