These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they make the perfect breakfast treat!
Honestly, there’s nothing like waking up to the smell of these baking. When I take a bite, I can’t help but smile. It’s like a hug in food form! 😊
The best part? They’re easy to make! Just roll, rise, and bake. And trust me, sharing is optional—you might want to keep them all to yourself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: This adds moisture to the dough. If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer a non-dairy option, almond milk or oat milk works well as substitutes.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use it directly without proofing. Just go with 2 teaspoons.
Granulated Sugar: This not only sweetens the dough but also feeds the yeast. You can use coconut sugar for a healthier option, but it may slightly change the flavor.
Cinnamon: A key flavor in these rolls! If you want a different zing, try nutmeg or cardamom. They give a nice twist to the classic taste.
Cream Cheese: It adds a rich, tangy flavor to the frosting. You can use mascarpone for a sweeter taste or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Just adjust sugar to taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Dough Rises Properly?
Ensuring your dough rises well is vital for soft, fluffy rolls. The yeast needs a warm, draft-free environment to activate. Here are key points:
- Check that your milk is warm but not hot, about 110°F (43°C) is perfect. Hot milk can kill the yeast!
- Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap to keep moisture in.
- Find a warm spot for the dough to rise—near an oven or in a sunny window works great.
- If your kitchen is cold, consider turning on the oven for a few minutes, then turning it off and placing the dough inside to rise.
By setting the right conditions, you’ll have beautifully risen dough ready for those cinnamon rolls!
Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (to thin, if needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cinnamon roll recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 1.5 hours total for rising and baking. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing and rolling the dough, letting it rise, and baking it to golden perfection. Plus, the cream cheese frosting only takes a few extra minutes to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (it should feel warm to the touch, not hot). Stir in the yeast and a pinch of sugar to help it activate. Let this sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this shows the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Then introduce the foamy yeast mixture to the bowl. Gradually mix in the flour until the dough comes together into a soft ball. Don’t worry if you need a little more or less flour; just adjust until the dough feels right!
3. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn out your dough. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is where the magic happens—give it some love!
4. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours or until it has doubled in size. Twiddle your thumbs or put your feet up while you wait!
5. Prepare the Filling:
In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined. This mixture will create a gooey, sweet filling—yum!
6. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring about 16×12 inches. Don’t worry about making it perfect!
7. Spread the Filling:
Evenly spread your cinnamon-sugar butter mixture over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving just a small edge around the sides. We don’t want the filling to spill out during rolling!
8. Roll and Cut:
Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once it’s rolled up, slice it into 9-12 equal pieces about 1 to 1 ½ inches thick. Each slice will become a lovely roll!
9. Second Rise:
Arrange the cut rolls in a greased 9-inch round or square baking dish, making sure to leave a little space between them. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until they’re puffy.
10. Preheat Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Smell that sweet cinnamon in the air? You’re on the right track!
11. Bake:
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
12. Make the Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, blending until creamy. If it’s too thick, add milk a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
13. Frost Rolls:
As soon as you take the rolls out of the oven, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. It will melt into all those delicious swirls.
14. Serve:
Slice them apart and enjoy them warm! These cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack that everyone will love. Don’t forget to enjoy them fresh out of the oven for maximum deliciousness!
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These cinnamon rolls are rich and gooey, packed with a delightful sweet cinnamon filling and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the flavors. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and everyone will be excited for a warm bite!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Absolutely! You can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast without needing to proof it first. Just use 2 teaspoons directly in your dough mixture and mix it with the dry ingredients.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be because the yeast wasn’t activated properly. Make sure your milk was warm (not hot) when you added the yeast, and check that it’s fresh. If you find the dough hasn’t doubled in size after the rising time, give it a bit more warmth and patience! Sometimes yeast just needs extra love.
Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise (after cutting them) and place them in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, then bake as directed. Alternatively, you can freeze them before the second rise and bake them straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How to Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them if you prefer. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. Frost them just before serving, or warm them up with a little extra frosting if desired!
