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Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 124 reviews

This easy homemade cinnamon rolls recipe guides you through preparing soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls offer a delightful combination of sweet, buttery dough and smooth frosting that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 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

  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Frosting

  • 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, sugar, and salt to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
  2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating it’s active.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter and beaten egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine, then pour into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a rough 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 gradually if too sticky.
  5. First Rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, until it doubles in size.
  6. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until smooth and paste-like.
  7. Roll Out the Dough: After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release air. On a lightly floured surface, roll it into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle.
  8. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge free of filling.
  9. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it well.
  10. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices to form individual cinnamon rolls.
  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 until puffy.
  12. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls undergo their second rise.
  13. Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. If tops brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil to prevent burning.
  14. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before applying the frosting.
  15. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy in a large bowl.
  16. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar on low speed, mixing until blended. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  17. Adjust Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time, stirring, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable to your liking.
  18. Frost the Rolls: Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls to cover them entirely.
  19. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the cinnamon rolls warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a fluffier dough, make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warmed to the correct temperature (110-115°F).
  • If dough is too sticky while kneading, add flour a tablespoon at a time; avoid adding too much or the rolls will be dense.
  • You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight for convenience and deeper flavor.
  • Covering the rolls loosely during the second rise prevents drying out while allowing proper expansion.
  • If you don’t have cream cheese frosting, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk also works well.

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, cinnamon roll recipe, breakfast rolls, cream cheese frosting, sweet rolls

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