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Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft and gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a classic comfort treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. These rolls feature fluffy dough rolled with a warm cinnamon sugar filling and finished with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting that melts into every bite, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

Cinnamon Filling

  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup softened butter
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Splash of milk (optional, for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk gently and dissolve the active dry yeast in it. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, egg, and melted butter. Gradually add the yeast mixture and knead until you get a soft, elastic dough. Let it rise covered in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  2. Make the Cinnamon Filling: Mix softened butter with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until you get a spreadable, sandy texture. This mixture forms the sweet and spicy heart of the rolls.
  3. Roll and Fill the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough ensuring all corners are covered.
  4. Shape the Rolls: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Cut the log into evenly sized pieces about 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each to allow for rising.
  5. Final Rise and Bake: Let the rolls rise again until they nearly double in size, about 30 to 45 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
  6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to achieve desired consistency.
  7. Frost and Serve: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly after baking, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls so it melts into every crevice, creating a gooey finish.

Notes

  • Aim for a slightly sticky but not wet dough for the best texture.
  • Proof dough in a warm, draft-free environment to activate yeast properly.
  • Spread filling evenly so each roll bursts with flavor.
  • Do not overbake to keep rolls moist and gooey inside.
  • Prepare frosting while rolls bake for best melting effect when applied warm.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to help mix smoothly and enhance dough rise.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, breakfast, dessert, sweet rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls