Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft, fluffy, buttery cinnamon rolls slathered with luscious cream cheese frosting — this classic treat is the definition of comfort baking. Every swirl of the tender dough is infused with cinnamon sugar, melting into gooey perfection as it bakes. The final touch of smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting turns each bite into pure bliss.

Cinnamon rolls are perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday breakfasts, or special brunches with loved ones. They’re the kind of baked good that instantly lifts your mood and makes your kitchen smell like a bakery.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s cozy, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying. The process of making cinnamon rolls — kneading the dough, spreading the butter, rolling it up — feels therapeutic. Watching them puff up in the oven, then frosting them while warm, is pure joy.

The dough in this recipe is soft and pillowy, the filling perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy, and the cream cheese frosting brings just the right tangy contrast.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this dish because:

• It’s better than any store-bought roll — truly melt-in-your-mouth good.
• The cream cheese frosting is rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced.
• It’s a showstopper for brunches, holidays, and celebrations.
• The make-ahead and freezing options make it convenient.
• It’s a baking skill you’ll treasure forever — impressively easy yet stunningly delicious!

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per roll

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American / European-inspired
• Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream (optional, to thin consistency)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the dough, let it rise until doubled.
2. Roll out dough, spread cinnamon filling, and roll tightly into a log.
3. Slice into rolls, let rise again, then bake until golden.
4. Whip up the cream cheese frosting and spread over warm rolls.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) — it should feel warm but not hot.
• Pour milk into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle in the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
• Let sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly.

Step 2: Make the Dough

• Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well.
• Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
• Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

• In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined into a paste-like texture.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

• Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer to a floured surface.
• Roll into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
• Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface, reaching close to the edges.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

• Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
• Cut into 12 even slices using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (for cleaner cuts).
• Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each.

Step 6: Second Rise

• Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
• Let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled in size.

Step 7: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown on top.
• Don’t overbake — they should remain soft and tender inside.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

• Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
• Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
• Add a splash of milk or cream for a smoother texture, if desired.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

• Let the rolls cool for 5–10 minutes after baking.
• Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
• Watch it melt slightly into the swirls — perfection!

How to Serve

Serve warm for the best experience!
Pair these cinnamon rolls with:

• A cup of hot coffee, chai latte, or cappuccino
• A side of fresh fruit for balance
• A dusting of extra cinnamon or crushed nuts on top for presentation

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
• Don’t add too much flour — the dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
• Dental floss trick: Slide unflavored dental floss under the roll log, cross ends, and pull to slice cleanly.
• Let the rolls rise properly — that’s the secret to fluffiness.
• For extra gooey rolls, pour a few tablespoons of warm cream over them before baking.

Variations

1. Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
2. Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add finely diced apples for fruity sweetness.
3. Chocolate Swirl Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the filling.
4. Pumpkin Spice Rolls: Mix pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice into the dough.
5. Vegan Version: Use almond milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese.

Freezing and Storage

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep covered for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.
• Freezing (Unbaked): Freeze the shaped rolls (before second rise) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise, and bake fresh.
• Freezing (Baked): Freeze cooled rolls without frosting for up to 2 months. Reheat and frost before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Hand mixer or stand mixer (for dough and frosting)
• Plastic wrap or damp towel (for rising)
• Pastry brush or spatula

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make the dough overnight?
Yes! Prepare the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight before the second rise. Let them sit at room temperature for 45 minutes before baking.

Q2: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, skip the proofing step and mix directly with flour. The rise time may be slightly shorter.

Q3: Why are my rolls dense?
Either the dough didn’t rise enough or too much flour was added. Always allow enough time for proofing.

Q4: Can I make these without cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely. A simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla) works great too.

Q5: How can I make the rolls more gooey?
Pour a few tablespoons of heavy cream over the rolls before baking for ultra-soft, bakery-style rolls.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate comfort-bake — soft, buttery, aromatic, and indulgent. Whether you’re baking them for a special breakfast, brunch, or just because, they’re guaranteed to bring joy to anyone who tastes them.

The fluffy dough, rich cinnamon swirl, and velvety cream cheese frosting make each bite pure heaven. Once you’ve made these from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. A warm, freshly baked cinnamon roll is simply happiness in pastry form.