Description
These homemade cinnamon rolls are the ultimate indulgence with soft, fluffy dough rolled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. Perfect for weekend breakfasts or special occasions, they deliver a perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and creamy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Rolls:
- 1 cup milk, heated to 110 degrees F
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 large room temperature egg
- 2 Tbsp melted butter, divided
- 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2-4 Tbsp for kneading
For the Filling:
- 6 Tbsp softened butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 Tbsp softened butter
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup warm milk, 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, 1 large egg, 1 Tbsp melted butter, 4 Tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add 3 cups all-purpose flour and mix with a wooden spatula. Gradually add 1 Tbsp flour until dough is no longer sticky, then knead by hand for about 3 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Make the Cinnamon Filling: In a separate bowl, combine 6 Tbsp softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon until smooth and well blended.
- Shape the Rolls: Lightly flour your work surface and roll dough into a 17 x 10 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough lengthwise into a log and use dental floss to cut it into 8 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a 9×13 inch baking pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. After rising, brush the rolls with the remaining 1 Tbsp melted butter.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Frosting: Using a hand mixer, beat together 4 Tbsp softened butter, 4 oz softened cream cheese, and 2 tsp vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast properly without killing it.
- Dental floss is recommended for slicing rolls cleanly without squashing the dough.
- You can prepare the dough a day ahead, refrigerate after the first rise, and bake fresh the next day.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a vegan alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese.
- Ensure rolls have cooled slightly before frosting to prevent melt-through of frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
