Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I absolutely love making Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe on a cozy weekend morning. There’s something truly magical about filling your kitchen with the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla while the dough rises slowly. I find that it’s the perfect treat when you want to impress guests or just indulge in a comforting breakfast with your loved ones.

What makes this Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so special is the balance between the fluffy, soft dough, the generous swirl of buttery cinnamon sugar inside, and that luscious cream cheese frosting melting perfectly on top. You’ll find that the combination feels like a warm hug in every bite—trust me, it’s worth the little bit of effort to make from scratch.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients is key to nailing this Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Simple pantry staples come together to create that irresistible blend of flavors and textures you crave.

• Active dry yeast: Make sure it’s fresh for a good rise; proof it in warm milk for best results.
• Whole milk: Warmed to about 110° to 115° so it activates the yeast without killing it.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning the rolls as they bake.
• Butter: Melted for the dough and softened for the frosting—quality unsalted butter makes a difference.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs help the dough come together smoothly.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough; adding it gradually helps get the perfect consistency.
• Brown sugar: For that rich, caramel-like filling—it’s sweeter and more flavorful than white sugar.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice here; fresh cinnamon gives the best flavor.
• Cream cheese: Softened for the dreamy frosting that tops your rolls.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a lovely aroma to the frosting.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For the smooth, sweet texture of the cream cheese frosting.

Variations

I love mixing things up by personalizing this Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, and it’s fun to experiment with different add-ins or swaps to suit what you’re craving or what’s on hand.

• Nutty delight: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives the rolls a delightful crunch that my family adores.
• Spiced up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon for a warm twist.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend I’ve had success with, adjusting liquid as needed.
• Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and replace eggs with flaxseed meal to make it dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Combine Ingredients

Start by warming your milk to about 110° to 115°, then sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This step wakes up the yeast so your dough can rise beautifully. Meanwhile, add your eggs, melted butter, and sugar to the bowl, then stir everything together to combine before adding the salt and flour.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Mix with the paddle attachment just until the dough barely comes together, then switch to the dough hook and knead for about 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This kneading process is what creates that soft, fluffy texture, so don’t skip it! Remember, the dough should be a bit tacky but not too sticky—add the extra flour a little at a time if needed.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, turn it to coat the surface, then cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size. I like to preheat my oven to the lowest setting and then turn it off, placing the bowl inside for a cozy rise environment.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling and Roll the Dough

While the dough is rising, mix your brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Once risen, punch the dough down gently and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an 11×8-inch rectangle. Brush the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly, leaving a small border around the edges to keep the filling inside when you roll it up.

Step 5: Shape and Proof Your Rolls

Roll the dough jelly-roll style, starting from the long side, and pinch the seam to seal it well. Cut it into 8 to 12 slices using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Place these rolls cut side down in a greased baking pan, cover with a towel, and let them rise again until doubled, around an hour. This second rise helps ensure super tender rolls that bake up puffy and soft.

Step 6: Bake and Add the Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top. Let them cool on a wire rack for a bit before frosting. For the frosting, beat together softened butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and salt until smooth, then gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar. Spread that luscious frosting over warm rolls—you’ll love how it melts into every swirl!

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple by serving these rolls with just a dusting of extra cinnamon or a few chopped nuts on top of the frosting for a pretty finish. When I want to get fancy, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of fresh fruit brightens up the plate beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since these rolls are rich and sweet, I like to balance them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For brunch, I often pair them with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal with varied textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a pretty platter and add edible flowers or a sprinkle of powdered sugar around the edges—such a lovely way to elevate these classic rolls for holiday breakfasts or celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find these rolls store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure to keep them covered to retain their moisture and softness, and bring them to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing leftovers works great too—just wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a warm treat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, and they taste almost as fresh as the day I baked them.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop rolls into the microwave for about 20-25 seconds or warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) covered with foil to prevent drying out. I add a little extra frosting on top if needed, which makes them feel freshly made all over again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s the kind of recipe that brings family together and makes mornings feel extra cozy and indulgent. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy the delicious results as much as I do. Once you get the hang of it, you may find yourself making these sweet treats far more often than you’d expect!

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