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Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Heavenly Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

These homemade cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich brown sugar cinnamon swirl. Topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, this easy bakery-style recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or holidays.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Apéritif, Dessert, Goûter
Cuisine: Américaine
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm milk 110°F / 43°C
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Cinnamon Filling
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter softened
  • Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 –3 tbsp milk adjust for consistency

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but recommended)
  • Whisk
  • Rolling Pin
  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (for slicing)
  • Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Activate the Yeast
  2. In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  3. Make the Dough
  4. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. First Rise
  6. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  7. Prepare the Filling
  8. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
  9. Roll & Fill
  10. Roll dough into a 14×9 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
  11. Shape the Rolls
  12. Roll tightly from the long side. Slice into 12 equal rolls.
  13. Second Rise
  14. Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes.
  15. Bake
  16. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–25 minutes until golden brown.
  17. Make the Frosting
  18. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy. Add milk as needed.
  19. Frost & Serve
  20. Spread frosting over warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• For extra soft rolls, use whole milk instead of low-fat milk.
• The milk should feel warm, not hot (about 110°F / 43°C). Too hot will kill the yeast.
• If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise inside the oven with the light on.
• For ultra-gooey rolls, pour ¼ cup warm heavy cream over the rolls before baking.
• Use dental floss (unflavored) to cut perfect, clean slices without flattening the dough.
• For overnight cinnamon rolls, refrigerate after shaping and bake fresh in the morning.
• Frost while slightly warm for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.