Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. These soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon indulgence. With a tender dough and a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, they’re topped with a silky cream cheese frosting that melts right into every swirl. Best of all? This recipe is wonderfully simple and uses everyday pantry staples — no special ingredients or complicated steps required!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Light and fluffy dough that’s easy to knead by hand
  • Classic cinnamon sugar filling that’s warm and aromatic
  • Cream cheese frosting that’s smooth, rich, and perfectly sweet
  • Great for making ahead or freezing for later!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C)
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (more as needed)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, egg, sugar, and salt. Whisk lightly to combine. Add in the softened butter and yeast, then stir until well incorporated.

Gradually add the flour and mix with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 4–5 minutes. The dough will become soft, smooth, and elastic.

Let the dough rest for 5 minutes — not to proof, but just to relax the gluten before shaping.

2. Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside. Make sure your butter is soft enough to spread easily.

3. Shape the Rolls

Roll the rested dough into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered dough.

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice into 9–12 even rolls (depending on how thick you prefer them) and place them in a greased baking dish or cake pan.

4. Proof and Bake

Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes, or until nearly doubled in size.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until light and fluffy.

6. Frost and Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls right after baking so it melts into all the nooks and crannies. Serve warm and enjoy every soft, sweet bite!

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough come together smoothly.
  • Letting the dough rest before rolling makes it easier to work with.
  • For extra gooey rolls, pour a few tablespoons of heavy cream over the rolls right before baking.
  • These rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight — just let them come to room temperature before baking the next morning.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

 

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