Description
There’s nothing quite like the smell of homemade cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. These cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are soft, fluffy, and packed with that classic buttery cinnamon-sugar flavor. The creamy frosting melts perfectly over each warm roll, making them irresistible for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat anytime. This recipe is inspired by those comforting, homemade rolls passed down through generations — the kind that fill the kitchen with warmth and joy. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a cozy morning, or a special occasion, these cinnamon rolls will make everyone fall in love at first bite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
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2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
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â…“ cup granulated sugar
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â…“ cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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½ teaspoon salt
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4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
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1 cup packed light brown sugar
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2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
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â…“ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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4 ounces cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups powdered sugar
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
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Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.
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In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
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Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
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Spread softened butter evenly over the dough and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Roll up the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
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Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving space between each. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
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While rolls bake, prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until creamy.
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Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until fluffy. Thin with milk if needed.
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Spread frosting over warm rolls and let it melt into the swirls before serving.
Notes
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For overnight prep, make the rolls through step 8, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for an hour before baking in the morning.
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Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
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To freeze, bake the rolls (without frosting), let them cool, and freeze. Reheat and frost when ready to serve.
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For extra flavor, add chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins to the filling.
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For a lighter frosting, use less cream cheese or substitute with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes