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Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls recipe guides you through creating soft, fluffy, and warmly spiced cinnamon rolls topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, these cinnamon rolls are made from scratch with simple ingredients and straightforward steps including kneading, rising, and baking to golden perfection.

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, granulated sugar, and salt to evenly distribute all dry components.
  2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk with active dry yeast, allowing it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter and beaten egg to the yeast mixture, whisking well. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir together until a shaggy dough begins to take shape.
  4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a 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, adding flour sparingly if necessary.
  5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and leave in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  6. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, in a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make a smooth cinnamon-sugar paste.
  7. Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. On a floured surface, roll it out into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  8. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge bare.
  9. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the seam by pinching it closed.
  10. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or dental floss, slice the rolled log into 12 equal pieces.
  11. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes or until puffy.
  12. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  13. Bake the Rolls: Bake the risen rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. If browning too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning.
  14. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for 10 to 15 minutes before frosting to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt too much.
  15. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  16. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually incorporate powdered sugar on low speed until combined, then stir in vanilla extract.
  17. Adjust Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
  18. Frost the Rolls: Generously spread the cream cheese frosting on the warm cinnamon rolls to coat evenly.
  19. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the cinnamon rolls warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

  • Make sure the milk is not too hot when activating yeast (110-115°F) to avoid killing the yeast.
  • If the dough is sticky during kneading, add flour one tablespoon at a time until manageable.
  • You can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the filling.
  • Covering the rolls loosely with foil during baking prevents over-browning.
  • These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat rolls gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

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

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