These cinnamon rolls are warm, fluffy, and swirled with sweet cinnamon goodness. Topped with creamy frosting, they are a perfect treat for breakfast or brunch!
Honestly, who can resist the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls baking? I love enjoying them fresh from the oven—just a little patience and they will be worth the wait!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Using whole milk gives a rich flavor and tender texture. If you’re out of whole milk, you can use 2% milk or even almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for the rolls to rise. If you prefer, you could use instant yeast—just skip the proofing step!
Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely molasses flavor. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can mix granulated sugar with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon per cup) to make a quick substitute!
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, cream cheese adds that classic tang! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt, but the taste will differ slightly.
How Do You Get the Perfect Rise with Yeast Dough?
The key to a good rise is to keep the dough in a warm, draft-free spot. Here are some tips:
- Check the water temperature for the yeast; it should be just warm, not hot.
- Cover your dough with a towel or plastic wrap to retain warmth and moisture.
- If your kitchen is cool, try preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C) for a minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside to rise.
Let it rise until it doubles in size—be patient, as this can take up to 1.5 hours!
These flavorful tips should make your cinnamon roll-making easy and enjoyable! Happy baking!
Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes for preparation, and around 2 hours for the total rising and baking time. In total, you should expect to dedicate about 2 to 2.5 hours to create these delicious cinnamon rolls from scratch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, warm the milk until it reaches about 110°F (43°C). Be careful not to overheat it! Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it gets foamy—that’s how you know the yeast is active! In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, salt, and eggs. Mix them together nicely. Now, add the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, about 1 cup at a time, until the dough starts to come together.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to make it easier! Once it’s ready, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
While waiting for the dough to rise, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set this mixture aside. Also, make sure your butter is softened and ready for spreading.
3. Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, around 16×12 inches in size. Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire dough. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttery surface.
4. Roll and Cut:
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Be careful not to squish it too hard! Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices—this will give you those lovely cinnamon rolls!
5. Second Rise:
Grease a round baking pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in the pan, making sure to leave a little space between them. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, until they look puffy and happy.
6. Bake:
Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The smell will be amazing!
7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and sifted powdered sugar, continuing to beat the mixture. Adjust the consistency by adding milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired spreadable consistency.
8. Frost the Rolls:
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and have cooled slightly (just a few minutes!), spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve them up warm and enjoy each sweet, gooey, cinnamon-y bite!
These cinnamon rolls come out soft and tender inside with a sweet cinnamon swirl, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. They are perfect for anyone looking for a cozy morning treat!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with non-dairy options like almond milk or oat milk. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened variety for the best flavor balance in your cinnamon rolls!
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Always make sure your yeast is fresh! If your kitchen is cool, consider moving the dough to a warmer spot or using the oven with the light on to create a warm environment for rising.
How Can I Keep Leftover Cinnamon Rolls Fresh?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature while you preheat the oven, then bake as directed!
