These warm cinnamon rolls are rolled up with sweet cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy frosting. They’re soft, fluffy, and smell heavenly as they bake!
You can hardly resist the smell wafting through the kitchen! I love having these for breakfast, and they’re perfect with a cup of coffee. Yum! ☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: This gives the dough richness and moisture. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can substitute with almond milk or oat milk, which work quite well in baking.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use that straight away without proofing it first, making the process a tad quicker.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the dough. For a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or honey, though adjustments may be needed to the liquid in the recipe.
Cinnamon: Essential for that warm flavor! If you want a different twist, try using nutmeg or cardamom, but remember, cinnamon is the star here!
Cream Cheese: This makes the frosting creamy and tangy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a substitute; just keep in mind it won’t be as thick.
How Do You Get Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls?
The key to soft rolls is in the dough preparation. First, be gentle while mixing the ingredients. Kneading is also crucial. It develops gluten, which gives the dough elasticity and helps it trap air, creating that fluffy texture.
- Knead for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but avoid adding too much.
- Let the dough rise in a warm area. This is where it doubles in size and becomes fluffy. Patience is key here; don’t rush it!
Finally, remember to roll the dough tightly when forming the log. This keeps the filling intact and ensures every slice has a delightful swirl.
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 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 2 hours for preparation and rising, plus an additional 30 minutes for baking. So, plan for about 2.5 hours in total to make these scrumptious cinnamon rolls from start to finish, including making the cream cheese frosting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by warming the milk in a small bowl until it’s about 110°F—warm enough to touch but not hot. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbly. This means your yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs until combined. Then, stir in the frothy yeast mixture. It’s going to smell lovely already!
3. Add Flour and Knead:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing well after each addition. Once the dough starts coming together, knead it by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 6-8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel soft and a little bit tacky.
4. Rise Time:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours. You want it to double in size. This is a crucial step for fluffy rolls, so be patient!
5. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. This will be the sweet filling for our rolls.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter all over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling generously on top.
7. Roll and Cut:
Starting from the longer edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Then use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 8 even slices. This is where the fun happens as you get to see the beautiful cinnamon swirl!
8. Second Rise:
Place the rolls upright in a greased 9-inch round baking pan, giving them some space to grow. Cover them and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy—this will make them light and airy!
9. Baking Time:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency for spreading.
11. Frost and Serve:
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, generously frost the rolls while they are still warm for the best melty experience.
12. Enjoy!
Serve these gooey, sweet, and delicious cinnamon rolls warm. They are perfect for breakfast or any time you want a special treat. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Almond Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk works just fine as a dairy substitute in this recipe. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the flavor balanced.
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, there could be a few reasons. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If the milk was too hot when you added the yeast, it might have killed it. Try to find a warm, draft-free place for it to rise—an oven with just the light on works great!
How Can I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for about a week or frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before reheating!
Can I Add Nuts or Raisins to the Filling?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or raisins can give your cinnamon rolls an extra crunch and flavor. Sprinkle some over the cinnamon sugar filling before rolling up the dough for a delightful twist!
