Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

There’s something truly magical about pulling warm cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, all buttery, soft, and pillowy, then slathering them with rich cream cheese frosting that melts perfectly into every swirl. If you’ve been hunting for the ultimate comfort-baking project that delivers the kind of treat everyone will rave about, you’re in the right place. This Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is not just easy to follow—it’s the one I keep coming back to because it’s full of flavor and that perfect “from scratch” charm.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to cinnamon rolls, the magic truly starts with simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. This recipe uses pantry staples most folks have on hand, and I love how well these ingredients balance to deliver that signature tender dough and luscious filling.

• Active dry yeast: This is your key to soft, airy dough, so make sure it’s fresh.
• Whole milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast without killing it, aiding a great rise.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and feeds the yeast for a nice texture.
• Butter: Adds richness to both the dough and the filling; softened or melted accordingly.
• Eggs: They enrich the dough for tenderness and structure; room temperature is best.
• Salt: Important for flavor balance and strengthening the dough.
• All-purpose flour: You’ll use enough for structure but want just the right amount for softness.
• Brown sugar & ground cinnamon: The essential filling duo that creates those irresistible swirls.
• Cream cheese: For that velvety frosting with a little tang to cut through the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract & confectioners’ sugar: Flavor and sweetness in the frosting.

Variations

I love tweaking cinnamon rolls depending on the season or mood. These rolls are so versatile—you can easily customize the filling or frosting, and I encourage you to make them your own!

• Nutty Surprise: Sometimes I sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts with the cinnamon sugar for a delightful crunch that my family adores.
• Vegan Twist: Replace butter with dairy-free margarine and use a flax egg instead of chicken eggs, plus coconut cream for frosting—I’ve tried this and still got amazing results.
• Berry Bliss: Add a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam under the cinnamon sugar swirl for a fruity pop.
• Spiced Up: Swap out some cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice during fall – it feels festive and cozy.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by warming your milk to about 110° to 115°F—not too hot or you’ll kill the yeast! I like to test this with my finger; it should feel pleasantly warm, like a cozy bath. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets foamy. Meanwhile, crack your room temperature eggs into the bowl, add melted butter, and sugar, then stir it all together. Once the yeast blooms, add this mixture to your mixing bowl—it’s the start of that amazing dough.

Step 2: Add Flour and Salt, Then Knead to Soft Perfection

Next, toss in the salt and most of your flour—start with 4 cups and keep a little extra on hand. Mix just until the dough comes together. Here’s a trick I learned: scrape off the beater blade before swapping in the dough hook, so you don’t mix flour dust into the motor. Knead for about 6 to 8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You’ll notice it’s still a little tacky—that’s exactly what you want. Then pop it into a greased bowl, flip once to coat the top, cover it up, and let it rise until it doubles, usually about an hour.

Step 3: Roll, Fill, and Roll Again

Once risen, punch down your dough (this is so satisfying, trust me). Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an 11×8-inch rectangle. Brush generously with softened butter, then sprinkle your cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over the top, leaving about a half-inch border on all sides. Roll it jelly-roll style, starting with a long side, and be sure to pinch the seam tightly to keep your filling safe inside. Cut into 8 to 12 slices and place them cut-side down in a greased pan.

Step 4: Final Rise and Bake

Cover your pans with a kitchen towel and let the rolls proof again until they puff up nicely, about 1 hour. This second rise makes all the difference for light, fluffy rolls. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls until they turn beautiful golden brown—usually 20 to 25 minutes. Your kitchen is going to smell incredible at this stage!

Step 5: Frosting Magic

While the rolls cool just a bit on a wire rack, whip up the frosting. Beat the softened butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and salt until silky smooth, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar until you get that luscious spreadable frosting. Once the rolls are warm but not hot, spread this over the top so it seeps into every crevice. I promise, this part is heavenly.

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love keeping it simple with just the cream cheese frosting, but sometimes I add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few chopped toasted pecans on top for a bit of texture contrast. Fresh berries on the side also brighten things up and add a lovely pop of color.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls go beautifully with a cuppa coffee or a glass of cold milk. For brunch, I like pairing them with scrambled eggs or crispy bacon—the savory sides balance the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged cinnamon rolls in a flower shape on a round baking dish, frosting the “petals” generously. Another fun idea is serving individual cinnamon roll “cakes” stacked and drizzled with extra frosting and caramel sauce for a show-stopping dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The rolls stay moist and the frosting tastes even better after a day since the flavors meld together. Just make sure to cover them well to avoid drying out.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you want a treat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently before frosting.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers by warming them in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. This helps retain softness without drying out. Then I add a fresh dollop of cream cheese frosting if needed—the rolls feel freshly baked every time!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe turns out every single time. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like a dream and fills your home with the kind of warmth that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re baking for family breakfast, a cozy weekend treat, or a special occasion, these rolls deliver on texture, flavor, and that irresistible frosting finish. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do—trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

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