These cinnamon rolls are soft, sweet, and swirled with cinnamon goodness. Topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, they’re a treat everyone loves!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of these baking in the oven. I always save a few just for myself—who can resist that fluffy goodness? 😄
The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make! Just let the dough rise, roll it up, and smother with frosting—breakfast has never been this fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for making the rolls rise. If you’re out of it, you can use instant yeast—just mix it directly with the dry ingredients. It often produces a more reliable rise.
Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast. If you’re lactose intolerant or out of milk, you can use almond milk or oat milk as substitutes. Just make sure they’re warm too!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor control. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a similar texture.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is the star here. If you want a twist, try using pumpkin pie spice or a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg for extra warmth!
Eggs: Eggs add richness and moisture. For a vegan version, you can substitute each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
How Do You Get Your Cinnamon Rolls Extra Fluffy?
The key to fluffy cinnamon rolls is in the dough preparation and rises. Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the rolls their structure. Here’s how to ensure they’re perfectly fluffy:
- When mixing the dough, make sure to incorporate enough flour so it’s not sticky but still soft.
- After kneading, let the dough rise in a warm environment. A turned-off oven with the light on works great!
- Don’t skip the second rise once you’ve formed the rolls; this step is crucial for them to puff up nicely.
Also, avoid opening the oven door while baking, as this can cause temperature drops and affect how they rise in the oven!
Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (½ cup) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (to thin if necessary)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 to 2.5 hours total. You’ll need around 15-20 minutes for prep, followed by approximately 1.5 hours for the dough to rise. After that, allow about 30 minutes for baking, plus a few minutes for the rolls to cool before frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is active! Now, add the sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs into the yeast mixture and stir well. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until it’s doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
While your dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Don’t forget to set aside the softened butter that you’ll be spreading over the dough. This filling will create those delicious swirls!
3. Assemble the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough. Next, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture uniformly on top. If you like, you can add chopped nuts and raisins at this stage for a bit of extra flavor and texture! Now, starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 9-12 equal slices and place them cut side up in a greased baking dish, ensuring there’s space between each roll.
4. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls with a towel or plastic wrap and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until they’re puffy and have expanded.
5. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for about 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once finished, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the rolls are cooling, prepare the delicious cream cheese frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach your desired spreading consistency.
7. Finish:
Finally, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Enjoy them straight away for the best taste!
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Enjoy your irresistibly soft and gooey cinnamon rolls with that luscious cream cheese frosting melting on top! They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just a special treat any time of the day!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrients. If you use 100% whole wheat flour, you may need to add a bit more liquid since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
How Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls Vegan?
To make vegan cinnamon rolls, replace the eggs with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk, like almond or soy milk, for the dough and frosting.
Can I Prepare the Dough the Night Before?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and place them in the baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise for about 30-45 minutes before baking.
Can Leftover Cinnamon Rolls Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze leftover cinnamon rolls! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for about 2-3 months. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven.
