Irresistible Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Perfect Homemade Delight!

Photo byangie bright

Few things evoke the comforting warmth of home quite like the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. These soft, pillowy rolls are a beloved classic for good reason – they offer the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creaminess. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, they transform an ordinary breakfast into an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a special holiday treat, homemade cinnamon rolls are the perfect way to bring people together.

The magic of cinnamon rolls lies in their simplicity, yet they carry a sense of indulgence. The dough itself is soft and airy, kissed with the warmth of cinnamon, and the interior is swirled with layers of butter and brown sugar, creating that signature sticky sweetness. But what really takes these rolls to the next level is the cream cheese frosting. The tangy smoothness of the cream cheese, combined with the sweetness of powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla, melts beautifully into the warm rolls, creating an irresistible blend of flavors and textures.

Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• ½ cup sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs

For the Filling:

• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   Begin by mixing warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough:
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, and eggs. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can knead by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for ease.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
   Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step allows the yeast to work its magic, making the dough light and fluffy.
4. Prepare the Filling:
   Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture generously across the surface.
5. Roll and Cut:
   Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly to form a log. Slice the log into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased baking pan.
6. Second Rise and Bake:
   Let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes to ensure they become even fluffier. Then, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
7. Make the Frosting:
   While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
8. Frost the Rolls:
   Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. The frosting will melt slightly, seeping into every crevice, making the rolls even more decadent.

These cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food, with their soft dough, gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and velvety frosting. Whether you serve them as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a sweet ending to a meal, they’re sure to bring smiles to the faces of everyone at your table.

Here are some sources you can check out for Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting recipes:

1. Baker Bettie provides a classic cinnamon rolls recipe that explains in detail how to make the dough, filling, and cream cheese frosting. The instructions are easy to follow, making it a great resource for home bakers of all levels​(Smart Savvy Living).
2. Natasha’s Kitchen offers a highly-rated cinnamon roll recipe with a soft, fluffy texture and rich cream cheese frosting. It includes tips on using either all-purpose or bread flour for the best results​(NatashasKitchen.com).
3. Southern Living provides a tried-and-true recipe for cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing, featuring step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure perfect rolls every time​(Southern Living).

These sources offer variations and detailed guides to ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly!