If you have a soft spot for warm, gooey pastries that fill your kitchen with the sweetest aroma, then this Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These rolls are tender and fluffy, with a perfectly spiced cinnamon filling wrapped inside, all crowned with a luscious, tangy-sweet cream cheese icing that melts right into every bite. It’s the kind of treat that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, and once you try making these cinnamon rolls at home, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is a delight because all the ingredients are simple yet essential. Each one plays a key role in creating that irresistibly soft texture, that rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, and that creamy topping that makes every bite so special.
- Warm milk (1 cup): Activates the yeast and contributes to a soft, delicate dough texture.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): The magical agent that helps your dough rise and become fluffy.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice and enhance browning.
- Egg + egg yolk (1 large egg + 1 yolk): Bring richness and improve the dough’s structure.
- Unsalted butter, melted (¼ cup): Infuses the dough with buttery goodness and keeps it tender.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing strength and chewiness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Brown sugar, packed (⅔ cup): Creates a caramelized filling that oozes warmth and sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 ½ tablespoons): The star spice that delivers signature flavor and inviting aroma.
- Unsalted butter, softened (¼ cup for filling + 3 tablespoons for icing): Adds richness to both the filling and the icing.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 oz): Gives the icing its irresistible tang and creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese icing for that perfect drizzle.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the icing’s flavor with a subtle aromatic note.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Adjusts the icing’s consistency to silky perfection.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough
Begin by whisking together warm milk and active dry yeast in a large bowl, allowing it to sit until foamy – this takes about 5 to 10 minutes and shows your yeast is alive and kicking. Then, add sugar, the whole egg plus egg yolk, and melted butter to the mixture, stirring well to combine. Incorporate the flour and salt little by little until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 to 6 minutes, until the dough is silky smooth and stretchy. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1 to 1½ hours. This rising step is key for those soft, fluffy rolls you love.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling and Roll Out the Dough
While your dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl to create that irresistible cinnamon sugar filling. Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough’s surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top. This layering ensures every bite bursts with gooey, spiced sweetness.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Starting from the longer edge, roll up the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edge to keep the cinnamon sugar inside. Then, slice the roll into 9 to 12 equal pieces, depending on your preferred roll size. Arrange these slices snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or round pan, cover the dish again with a towel, and let the rolls rise one more time for 30 to 45 minutes. This final rise creates those lofty, tender rolls that practically melt in your mouth.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn lightly golden on top and the centers are fully cooked. Keep a close eye near the end to prevent over-browning; the goal is a soft, warm texture that’s just begging to be smothered in icing.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls are baking, whip up your cream cheese icing by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until creamy and fluffy. If the icing is too thick, stir in milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the perfect drizzle consistency.
Step 6: Frost and Enjoy
Once baked, spread the cream cheese icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. The heat helps the icing melt just enough to seep into every crevice, making each bite decadently creamy and sweet. Serve immediately for the best gooey experience!
How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the icing for an added crunch and nutty flavor contrast. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a few raspberries can add a burst of freshness and color that brighten up your cinnamon rolls.
Side Dishes
Pair these cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte to balance their sweetness. For a brunch spread, fresh scrambled eggs or a light mixed green salad complement the rolls beautifully and offer a savory balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe in a cast-iron skillet or a rustic wooden board to add a cozy, welcoming vibe. For a fun twist, cut rolls in half horizontally, toast lightly, then drizzle icing and sprinkle with crushed candy canes during festive seasons for a holiday flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cinnamon rolls left after indulging, keep them fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and gooey without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls after the first rise by wrapping them tightly and placing them in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let them rise again before baking. You can also freeze fully baked rolls, wrapped well, for up to two months – just thaw and reheat when needed.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked feeling, reheat your cinnamon rolls gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add a fresh dollop of cream cheese icing after warming for that perfect finish.
FAQs
Can I make the dough without eggs?
Yes, although eggs help with richness and structure, you can substitute eggs with applesauce or a flaxseed mixture if you need an egg-free option. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Is it okay to use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you use instant yeast, just mix it directly with the dry ingredients and reduce the rising time slightly since it acts faster than active dry yeast.
Can I prepare the rolls the night before baking?
Definitely! Prepare the rolls and let them rise in the fridge overnight. The next morning, bring them to room temperature before baking. This makes morning prep super easy and yields extra flavorful rolls.
What is the best way to adjust sweetness in the icing?
If you prefer a less sweet icing, reduce the powdered sugar gradually until it suits your taste. For a tangier twist, add a bit more cream cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Can I add extras like nuts or raisins to the filling?
Yes! Adding chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon sugar mixture is a wonderful way to customize your rolls. Just sprinkle them evenly on top of the butter before rolling up the dough.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is a warm invitation to elevate your baking game and bring a little sweetness into your everyday life. Each soft roll is a perfect balance of spice, sugar, and creamy goodness that is sure to become a cherished part of your breakfast or dessert rotation. So roll up your sleeves, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this truly comforting homemade delight.
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Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1.5–2 hours rising time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic homemade cinnamon rolls with a soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, and creamy cream cheese icing. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls are easy to prepare and bake, delivering warm, gooey indulgence with every bite.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the cream cheese icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, as needed)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add granulated sugar, whole egg, egg yolk, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix well. Gradually stir in flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead with a stand mixer dough hook for 5–6 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Punch down the risen dough and roll into a 14×9-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Assemble rolls: Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log and slice into 9–12 equal rolls.
- Second rise: Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or round pan. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes or until they are lightly golden and cooked through in the center.
- Prepare icing: While rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Spread the cream cheese icing over warm rolls right after baking and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can prepare the rolls the night before and let them rise in the fridge overnight. Bake the next morning after bringing them to room temperature.
- For extra gooeyness, add a splash of heavy cream over the rolls before baking.
