Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are soft, pillowy, and full of rich cinnamon flavor, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts into each swirl. Made with a simple yeast dough, the rolls are perfectly airy yet slightly chewy, offering a balance between sweet, buttery dough and warm, spiced filling. They’re ideal for cozy weekend mornings or special gatherings, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as they bake.

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Ingredients

Dough

• ¼ cup warm water
• 1 package active dry yeast (or 2 ¼ teaspoons)
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (plus 1 teaspoon)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 ¾ to 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 eggs (room temperature)

Filling

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

Frosting

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (or as needed)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

• Grease a 9×13 pan or baking dish and set aside.
• In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 7-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
• In a medium saucepan, combine milk, butter, remaining sugar, and salt. Heat to 120-130°F, stirring occasionally.

1. Mix and Knead

• In a stand mixer with a dough hook, add 2 cups of flour, eggs, milk mixture, and yeast mixture. Mix on medium-low until combined.
• Gradually add remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.

1. Let Dough Rise

• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

1. Roll and Shape

• On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 15×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Roll the dough tightly, beginning on the long side, then slice into 15 even pieces. Place rolls in prepared pan.

1. Second Rise and Bake

• Cover with a towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Brush with milk if desired, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden.

1. Prepare Frosting and Serve

• While rolls bake, combine frosting ingredients and beat until fluffy. Let rolls cool 10-15 minutes, then spread frosting on warm rolls.

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Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, milk, and eggs are at room temperature to help the dough rise evenly.
• Cutting the Rolls: Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife for clean, even slices.
• Extra Soft Rolls: Brushing with milk before baking adds moisture and a soft texture to the finished rolls.

These cinnamon rolls are a delightful, bakery-quality treat that is easy to make from scratch and perfect to share with loved ones.