Classic Cinnamon Rolls Cream Cheese (Print Version)

Tender cinnamon rolls crowned with creamy, tangy frosting for a comforting homemade delight.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 1 cup warm milk
02 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
05 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 4 cups all-purpose flour

→ Filling

08 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
09 - 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
10 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Frosting

11 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a bowl. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, until foamy.
02 - Mix granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, kosher salt, eggs, and the activated yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour to form a smooth dough. Knead for 5 to 10 minutes until elastic.
03 - Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise for 1 to 2 hours in a warm environment until doubled in size.
04 - Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 14 by 18 inches.
05 - Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, ensuring consistent coverage.
06 - Tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut evenly into 12 rolls using a sharp knife or string. Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish.
07 - Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for 30 to 45 minutes, until noticeably puffy.
08 - Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden and baked through.
09 - Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
10 - Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Easy to make with common pantry ingredients
  • Perfect for baking ahead or special occasions
  • Rich cream cheese frosting that stays soft and decadent
  • Adaptable with options to add nuts or dried fruit
02 -
  • These cinnamon rolls are high in comfort and always crowd pleasing
  • They freeze perfectly frosted or unfrosted for easy treats later
03 -
  • Letting the dough rise in a slightly warm oven especially if your kitchen is chilly makes yeast doughs more reliable
  • Slice the rolled log with unflavored dental floss for the cleanest professional spirals