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!