Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. These soft, fluffy spirals of sweet dough, generously coated with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, are the ultimate comfort food. This recipe simplifies the traditional approach without sacrificing any of that irresistible taste.

You’ll achieve bakery-quality results right at home with just a handful of ingredients. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or any time you’re craving something indulgent. Once you master this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions again.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g:

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fat: 12 g

*Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and frosting amounts used.*

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 500 g all-purpose flour
• 7 g instant yeast (1 packet)
• 240 ml warm milk
• 60 g granulated sugar
• 60 g unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 80 g unsalted butter, softened
• 100 g brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 100 g cream cheese, softened
• 40 g powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

Warm your milk to about 40°C (lukewarm to the touch). Pour it into a large mixing bowl and stir in the instant yeast along with a pinch of sugar.

Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes slightly foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to make your dough rise beautifully.

2. Prepare the Dough

Add the softened butter, sugar, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.

Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but remain slightly sticky.

3. Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour. A properly kneaded dough will spring back when you poke it gently with your finger.

4. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

A warm oven (turned off) or a sunny windowsill works perfectly for this step. Patience here is key to achieving light, fluffy rolls.

5. Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir until you have a smooth, spreadable paste.

The filling should be soft enough to spread easily but not runny. If your butter is too cold, let it sit at room temperature for a few more minutes.

6. Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 40 x 30 cm.

Try to keep the thickness even throughout for uniform rolls. The dough should be about 5 mm thick.

7. Add the Filling

Spread the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Leave a small border of about 1 cm along one of the long edges.

Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to get an even layer. Don’t be shy with the filling-it’s what makes these rolls so delicious!

8. Roll and Cut

Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.

Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Each roll should be about 3-4 cm thick.

9. Arrange and Rise Again

Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a small gap between each one. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

During this second rise, the rolls will puff up and begin to touch each other. This is exactly what you want for soft, pull-apart cinnamon rolls.

10. Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they’re golden brown on top.

The edges should be lightly golden, and the center rolls should be cooked through. Avoid overbaking, as this will dry out your rolls.

11. Make the Frosting

While the rolls bake, prepare your cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add the powdered sugar and milk.

Mix until creamy and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash more milk. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.

12. Frost and Serve

Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for just 5 minutes. While still warm, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.

The warmth of the rolls will slightly melt the frosting, creating those beautiful drips down the sides. Serve immediately for the best experience.

Tips for Variations or Side Dishes

Orange Glaze Variation: Replace the cream cheese frosting with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice. Add some orange zest for extra brightness.

Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add a layer of thinly sliced apples over the cinnamon filling before rolling. This creates a fruity twist that’s perfect for autumn.

Pecan Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the rolls before baking or on top of the frosting for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Chocolate Addition: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling along with the cinnamon sugar for a chocolatey surprise in every bite.

Savory Pairing: Serve your sweet cinnamon rolls alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausages. The salty-sweet combination is absolutely divine.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while still warm and gooey. The contrast between the soft, pillowy dough and the creamy frosting is pure bliss.

Serve them on a beautiful platter for brunch gatherings or simply place the entire baking dish on the table for a casual family breakfast. Let everyone pull apart their own roll for a fun, interactive experience.

Pair your cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or a glass of cold milk. For special occasions, add fresh berries or a fruit salad on the side to balance the sweetness.

These rolls also make wonderful gifts. Place them in a decorative box with a container of extra frosting for neighbors, teachers, or friends.

FAQ

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply roll, fill, cut, and let the rolls come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

2. How should I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

3. Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes, cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully! Freeze them before or after baking for up to 3 months. If freezing unbaked rolls, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature and bake as directed.

4. Why didn’t my dough rise properly?

The most common reasons are inactive yeast or milk that was too hot. Always check that your yeast isn’t expired, and make sure your milk is warm but not hot (it should feel comfortable on your wrist).

Cold environments can also slow rising-try placing the dough near a warm oven.

5. Can I substitute ingredients for a healthier version?

You can use whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour and reduce the sugar slightly. Greek yogurt can replace some of the butter in the filling. Keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the texture and taste of the final rolls.