Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll agree that nothing beats the warm, comforting smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls on a lazy weekend morning. This Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need when you want that bakery-quality treat without leaving your kitchen. I absolutely love how these rolls come out soft, fluffy, and packed with that perfect swirl of cinnamon sugar—each bite feels like a little hug for your taste buds.

What makes this recipe special, in my opinion, is the homemade cream cheese frosting that’s just the right balance of tangy and sweet. Whether you’re making it for a big family breakfast, a cozy brunch with friends, or just an indulgent afternoon snack, this recipe works beautifully every time. Plus, it’s surprisingly straightforward, so even if you’re new to baking yeast doughs, I’m confident you’ll find success and enjoy the process as much as the result!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic really happens when these common baking ingredients come together in just the right way. I always recommend using good-quality butter and fresh yeast for the best results.

• Active dry yeast: Make sure it’s fresh and proof in warm milk for consistent rise.
• Whole milk: Warm to about 110°-115°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Sugar (granulated and brown): Brown sugar adds that deep, caramel-like flavor to the filling.
• Butter: Use melted for the dough and softened for the filling and frosting to get the best texture.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend better and give a richer dough.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure; add gradually to get the perfect dough texture.
• Ground cinnamon: Freshly ground has more aroma but pre-ground works fine too.
• Cream cheese: Softened for smooth frosting; this is the star of the topping.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the frosting flavor.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For a silky, sweet frosting that spreads easily.

Variations

I love tinkering with this Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to suit whatever mood or occasion I’m in. You can easily add your own twist to keep things fresh and exciting.

• Nutty Upgrade: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling adds a wonderful crunch — my family goes crazy for this!
• Healthier Swap: Try using whole wheat flour for half the flour to add fiber, it turns out surprisingly well.
• Spiced Twist: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for a warm, festive flavor I discovered during holiday baking.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk with a flax egg to adapt this recipe for vegan friends — I’ve tested this with success too!

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast and begin your dough

Start by warming your milk to about 110°-115°F—too hot and it’ll kill the yeast, too cool and the yeast won’t activate properly. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This is a crucial step; I used to rush it and ended up with dense rolls, so patience here pays off.

Step 2: Mix and knead the dough

Once your yeast is foamy, add the eggs, melted butter, and sugar to the bowl. Mix everything until combined, then add salt and 4 cups of flour (hold back some to add as needed). Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. At first, the dough will be sticky – that’s normal! The dough should pull away from the sides but still stick just a little.

Step 3: Let the dough rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turning it over once so it’s coated with oil too. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour. I like to place mine near a sunny window. This step really develops flavor and texture, so don’t skip or rush it!

Step 4: Prepare the filling and roll the dough

While the dough is rising, mix your brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into roughly an 11×8-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix evenly, leaving about a ½-inch border. Roll it up jelly-roll style, starting from a long edge, and pinch the seam tightly to seal in that gooey goodness.

Step 5: Cut, place, and second rise

Cut the rolled log into 8 to 12 thick slices and place them cut side down in a greased 13×9-inch pan. Cover and let them rise again until puffy and doubled, about another hour. This second rise is important for light, fluffy rolls — I usually use kitchen towels here to keep them warm but not wet.

Step 6: Bake to golden perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until they’re beautifully golden on top. Don’t overbake or they may dry out; I start checking around 18 minutes. After baking, cool on wire racks to keep the bottoms from getting soggy.

Step 7: Whip up that luscious cream cheese frosting

Beat softened butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy, then gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar. This frosting turns out silky and tangy-sweet—the perfect finishing touch. Spread it generously over warm rolls so it melts into every crevice. I always warn friends: resist the urge to skip this step; it’s the frosting that truly elevates these cinnamon rolls.

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or even a few toasted chopped pecans on top for that extra little crunch. Sometimes I drizzle a thin glaze of honey or maple syrup if I want a shiny glaze that’s just a bit sweet-tart—especially for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls are a filling treat, so I like to keep sides light and refreshing. Fresh fruit salad, a cup of brewed coffee or chai tea, and sometimes scrambled eggs make a great pairing if you’re serving them for brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at holiday breakfasts, I’ll bake them in individual ramekins for personal servings, wrapping each with a festive ribbon. Another favorite is stacking them like a cinnamon roll tower on a tiered cake stand—guaranteed to wow guests and make every bite feel like a bit of celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature if we’re eating them within 2 days. After that, I move them to the fridge to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Reheating gently restores the softness nicely without drying them out.

Freezing

Freezing cinnamon rolls is a lifesaver for busy mornings. I freeze them after shaping but before baking—wrap the pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw and let them rise for the second time before popping them in the oven. I’ve found this method keeps them tasting just as fresh as day one.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the rolls loosely with foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This gently warms them through without drying out the frosting. If you’re in a rush, microwaving for 20-30 seconds works too, but watch out for melting frosting runoff!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I really can’t recommend this Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe enough if you want to impress yourself with baking from scratch. It’s become a weekend ritual in my house—and the smiles when everyone digs in are priceless. Give it a try; I bet you’ll fall in love just like I did, and it might just become your go-to comfort treat, too.

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