Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe

Cinnamon Rolls are a classic comfort food, perfect for breakfast or dessert. This recipe gives you pillowy-soft rolls filled with warm cinnamon-sugar goodness and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. These rolls are a treat you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients (Makes about 12 rolls):

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Steps to Prepare:

1. Make the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
4. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add salt and continue mixing.
5. Once the dough begins to come together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Filling:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In another bowl, soften the butter until spreadable. Set aside for assembly.

3. Roll Out the Dough:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
2. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
3. Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

4. Roll and Slice:

1. Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
2. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 even rolls.

5. Let the Rolls Rise:

1. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
2. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up.

6. Bake the Rolls:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. While the rolls are baking, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fluffy.
3. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

8. Frost and Serve:

1. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top while they are still warm.
2. Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy their gooey, creamy goodness!

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls:

• Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour as you knead it. If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk.
• Rising Tip: If your kitchen is cool, place the dough in an oven with the light on to create a warm, draft-free environment for rising.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them overnight before baking them fresh in the morning. Just let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

These Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Soft, sweet, and topped with luscious frosting, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!