Fluffy Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Warm, pillowy classic cinnamon rolls invite you into a world of comforting sweetness that feels like a cozy morning hug.

Soft dough spirals promise indulgent layers of buttery goodness waiting to melt in your mouth.

Delicate swirls promise pure bliss with each tender bite.

Aromatic spices dance through each perfectly crafted roll, creating memories of lazy weekend breakfasts.

Cream cheese frosting adds a dreamy richness that transforms these rolls from simple pastry to extraordinary treat.

Freshly baked and irresistibly golden, these rolls beckon you to break off a piece and savor pure deliciousness.

Bake these and watch smiles bloom around your kitchen.

Why Classic Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting Are A Sweet Dream

• Conquer Complex Baking: Break down intimidating pastry techniques into manageable steps, making professional-quality cinnamon rolls accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Guaranteed to generate smiles and warm feelings, these rolls deliver nostalgic flavors that unite families and friends around the table with their irresistible aroma and decadent taste.
• Master Layered Flavor Profiles: Combine rich brown sugar, warm cinnamon, creamy cream cheese frosting, and tender yeast dough to craft a multi-dimensional dessert experience that tantalizes every taste bud.
• Transform Weekend Mornings: Elevate breakfast or brunch with a show-stopping centerpiece that feels like a special occasion treat, perfect for leisurely gatherings or spontaneous weekend indulgences.

Ingredients For Classic Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the classic cinnamon rolls.
• Active Dry Yeast: A crucial leavening agent that helps the dough rise and develop a soft, airy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast during the proofing process.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control yeast growth.
• Eggs: Contribute richness, moisture, and help bind the ingredients together.
• Whole Milk: Provides warmth for yeast activation and adds moisture to the dough.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet, caramel-like base for the cinnamon swirl.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers the classic warm, aromatic flavor that defines these rolls.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable filling.

• Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter: Form the creamy, tangy base of the classic frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the frosting's complex flavor profile.

How To Make Cinnamon Rolls Soft And Swirly

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Gently warm milk and sprinkle yeast into it. Stir lovingly until the mixture becomes frothy and alive, letting it rest and bubble for a few magical minutes.

Step 2: Create Dough Foundation

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

Create a welcoming crater in the center for incoming ingredients.

Step 3: Merge Wet and Dry Elements

Pour the bubbly yeast mixture and beaten eggs into the flour crater.

Mix and knead until a soft, slightly tacky dough emerges, transforming before your eyes.

Step 4: Nurture the Dough

Massage the dough on a flour-dusted surface for 8-10 minutes.

Watch it become smooth and stretchy, developing its character and strength.

Step 5: First Rising Adventure

Tuck the dough into a greased bowl, wrap it tenderly, and let it rest in a cozy spot.

Watch it double in size over about an hour.

Step 6: Roll Out the Magic

Stretch the dough into a generous rectangle, thin as a dream at 1/4 inch thick.

Step 7: Butter Blanket

Generously spread softened butter across every inch of the dough’s surface.

Step 8: Cinnamon Sugar Shower

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Completely cover the buttered canvas.

Step 9: Create the Perfect Spiral

Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, creating a tight, beautiful log.

Step 10: Slice and Prepare

Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife.

Nestle these beauties into a greased baking pan with just a little breathing room.

Step 11: Second Rising

Cover the rolls and let them puff up again in a warm haven for 30-40 minutes.

Step 12: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat the oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 13: Craft the Dreamy Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Tiny pinch of salt

Blend until silky smooth.

Step 14: Final Touch

Pull the rolls from the oven and immediately lavish them with the creamy frosting while still warm.

Step 15: Serve and Enjoy

Let the rolls cool just enough to be irresistibly tender. Dive in and savor every blissful bite!

Tips To Get That Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting

• Use instant yeast for faster activation and more consistent rising, ensuring fluffy and soft rolls every time.
• Maintain milk temperature between 110-115°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing the living cultures.
• Create consistent roll sizes by cutting dough log into equal portions using unflavored dental floss for clean, precise cuts.
• Allow sufficient rising time in a warm, draft-free area to develop rich flavor and achieve light, airy texture.
• Refrigerate leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating before serving to restore softness.

Fun Twists On Classic Cinnamon Rolls

• Nutty Sensation: Replace cinnamon with chopped pecans or walnuts, adding crunch and rich, earthy flavor to the traditional roll.
• Chocolate Lovers' Dream: Swap cinnamon filling with melted chocolate and cocoa powder, creating a decadent, indulgent breakfast treat.
• Berry Bliss: Incorporate finely chopped dried cranberries or blueberries into the dough and sprinkle on the filling for a fruity, tangy profile.
• Maple Bacon Indulgence: Mix crispy bacon bits and a drizzle of maple syrup into the filling, transforming the classic roll into a savory-sweet experience.

What To Serve With Cinnamon Rolls

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Latte: Rich espresso with smooth vanilla milk complements the sweet, warm cinnamon rolls perfectly.
• Enhance Breakfast Experience with Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries cut through the roll's sweetness, adding bright flavor contrast.
• Match Spiced Chai Tea: Aromatic chai with hints of cardamom and ginger creates a delightful harmony with the cinnamon's warm notes.
• Recommend Caramel Macchiato: Buttery caramel undertones and smooth espresso elevate the rolls' rich, decadent profile.

How To Keep Cinnamon Rolls Moist And Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container, wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze Whole: Wrap entire pan or individual rolls in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Individual Freezing: Place rolls on baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Prevents sticking and allows easy single-serving removal.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated rolls in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Adds back soft, fresh-baked texture and revives cream cheese frosting's creamy consistency.

FAQs On Classic Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting

• What ingredients make the dough soft and tender?

The combination of warm milk, eggs, and proper kneading technique creates a soft, elastic dough. Gentle kneading develops gluten structure without overworking the dough, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.

• Why use dental floss to cut the rolls?

Dental floss provides a clean, precise cut without squishing the delicate dough. It creates even slices and maintains the roll’s shape better than a knife, resulting in uniform cinnamon rolls.

• How do I know if the yeast is properly activated?

The yeast mixture should become slightly foamy and have a mild, yeasty aroma within 5-7 minutes. If it doesn’t foam or smell right, the yeast might be old or the liquid temperature was incorrect.

Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm, gooey classic cinnamon rolls invite comfort with their irresistible swirls of sweet spice and luscious cream cheese frosting. Homemade bakery magic promises to delight your senses and bring pure breakfast bliss right to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Flour and Yeast:

• 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 grams) active dry yeast

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm milk
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk, ensuring complete incorporation and a frothy texture, then rest for 5-7 minutes to activate.
2. Create a flour base by mixing dry ingredients, forming a central cavity for liquid components.
3. Integrate yeast liquid and eggs into flour mixture, blending until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough emerges.
4. Transfer dough to a floured surface, kneading vigorously for 8-10 minutes to develop robust gluten networks.
5. Nestle dough in a greased container, shield with plastic, and allow proofing in a warm location for roughly 1 hour until volume doubles.
6. Expand dough into a thin rectangular sheet, approximately 1/4 inch thick, using steady rolling motions.
7. Distribute softened butter uniformly across dough surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
8. Generously dust buttered surface with a blend of brown sugar and ground cinnamon, maintaining consistent distribution.
9. Tightly roll dough from the elongated edge, creating a compact cylindrical formation.
10. Segment the roll into 12 uniform sections using dental floss for precise, clean cuts.
11. Arrange segments in a prepared baking vessel, maintaining minimal spacing between rolls.
12. Shield rolls and permit secondary fermentation for 30-40 minutes in a warm environment.
13. Heat oven to 375°F, baking rolls for 20-25 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown coloration.
14. Simultaneously craft frosting by whipping cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt into a silky, homogeneous mixture.
15. Extract rolls from oven and immediately lavish with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting.
16. Permit brief cooling to optimize textural integrity and flavor profile before serving.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure milk is lukewarm (around 110°F) to prevent killing the yeast, which can result in dense, flat rolls.
• Dough Kneading Technique: Develop a smooth, elastic texture by kneading consistently, creating air pockets for soft, fluffy rolls.
• Rising Environment: Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like a slightly heated oven or near a warm appliance to encourage proper rising.
• Cutting Precision: Use unflavored dental floss for clean, even cuts through the rolled dough, preventing squishing or uneven roll sizes.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for similar texture and structure.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 469
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 232 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg