Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Soft, fluffy, and filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl, these cinnamon rolls are topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that melts into every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy treat! My family devours them before they have chance to cool! When I sold these at the farmers markets, I always sold out!
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🛒 Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
½ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
4 – 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp milk (for desired consistency)
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👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
1. In a large bowl, whisk warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in melted butter, eggs, and salt. Add flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead dough on a floured surface (5–7 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling
1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
2. Roll risen dough into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
3. Spread softened butter over dough, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 3: Roll & Slice
1. Roll dough tightly into a log from the long side.
2. Cut into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
3. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown but still soft in the center.
Step 5: Frosting
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk; beat until creamy.
2. Spread over warm rolls so the frosting melts slightly into the swirls.
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🌟 Tips & Variations
Overnight Option: Assemble rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise 45 minutes at room temp before baking in the morning.
Extra gooey: Pour ½ cup heavy cream over rolls before baking for richer, softer centers.
Flavor twist: Add crushed pecans, raisins, or even a drizzle of caramel.
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✨ These cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are bakery-style, but made in your own kitchen. They’ll make any morning feel special!
