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.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, breakfast, dessert, sweet rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls