These cinnamon rolls are soft, sweet, and filled with a delightful cinnamon-sugar mix. Topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, they are a perfect breakfast treat!
I can never resist the warm, gooey goodness of these rolls. The frosting adds just the right touch, and I often make extras because they disappear quickly. Who can say no to that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Warmed milk helps activate the yeast for the dough. If you don’t have whole milk, you can use 2% milk or even almond milk, though it might slightly alter the flavor.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise. If you’re out of it, you can use instant yeast instead, without needing to proof it first. Just mix it straight in with your dry ingredients!
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar gives a deep flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use white sugar combined with a small amount of molasses, or just white sugar for a lighter taste.
Cream Cheese: The frosting’s silky texture comes from cream cheese. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a non-dairy cream cheese for a vegan version!
How Do I Make Sure My Dough Rises Properly?
Getting your dough to rise well is key for soft rolls. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh—old yeast won’t work well.
- Use warm (not hot) milk around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast.
- Find a warm spot for rising. If your kitchen is cool, try turning the oven on for a minute and then turning it off. Let the dough rise there.
- Let it rise until it’s doubled in size, which can take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
With these tips, you’ll have a batch of fluffy, delicious cinnamon rolls in no time! Enjoy the sweet aroma filling your home as they bake!
Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (optional, to thin frosting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cinnamon rolls recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 2 hours total for rising and baking. Perfect for a lazy weekend morning or a special breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). Stir in the yeast and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer bowl), combine the remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Mix everything together well. Next, add the yeast mixture into the bowl.
Gradually stir in flour, about 1 cup at a time, mixing until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface or use a dough hook 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 until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the buttered dough.
3. Form the Rolls:
Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Place the rolls into a greased 9-inch round baking pan or a 9×13-inch pan, making sure to leave a little gap between each roll. Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until they are puffy.
4. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once they’re out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to mix until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, you can add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Finish:
Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve them while they’re warm and enjoy the delightful flavors!
This recipe yields soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls topped with a rich and smooth cream cheese frosting that melts into the swirls. It’s the perfect sweet treat for breakfast or dessert!
Can I Use Unsweetened Almond Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
Absolutely! Unsweetened almond milk is a great substitute for whole milk. Just make sure to warm it to about 110°F (43°C) before adding it to the yeast mixture for the best results.
What If I Don’t Have Active Dry Yeast?
You can use instant yeast instead! There’s no need to proof instant yeast like you do with active dry yeast; just mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
Can I Make Cinnamon Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh rolls without the morning rush!
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or oven before enjoying!