Cinnamon Roll Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If there’s one treat that instantly fills a kitchen with the most irresistible, heartwarming aroma, it’s homemade cinnamon rolls! With this Cinnamon Roll Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll discover soft, pillowy rolls packed with sweet, spiced filling and topped with rich, tangy frosting. Whether for a cozy weekend breakfast or an indulgent dessert, each bite offers the perfect balance of gooey swirl, melt-in-your-mouth dough, and luscious cream cheese topping. These rolls make any gathering feel just a little more special, and once you’ve tasted them, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy ingredients to create bakery-worthy cinnamon rolls—just a handful of staples that transform into something magical together. Each component plays a role in building flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden look, so use the best you can find for truly showstopping results.

• Whole Milk (1 cup): Warm milk is essential for activating the yeast and contributes to a rich, tender dough.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup, divided): Some for sweetening the dough, the rest for feeding the yeast and sweetening the filling.
• Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 tsp, or 1 packet): This is what gives the rolls their fluffy lift—make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• All-Purpose Flour (4 1/2 – 5 cups): Provides the structure, yielding a soft but sturdy roll that holds all that filling.
• Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup for dough, 1/3 cup for filling, softened): Butter makes everything richer; room temp butter is key for both dough and filling.
• Eggs (2, room temperature): Add tenderness and a gorgeous golden color.
• Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Gives the cinnamon-sugar filling a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon (2 1/2 tbsp): The star of the show, providing that classic swirl and irresistible aroma.
• Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Essential for the tangy, decadent frosting you’ll want to lick from the bowl.
• Powdered Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and smooths out the frosting perfectly.
• Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the frosting—you’ll taste the difference.
• Pecan or Walnut Pieces (optional, 1/2 cup): Fold these into the filling if you crave a subtle crunch in each bite.
• Pinch of Salt: Just a tiny bit goes into the frosting to enhance the flavors.

How to Make 

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by gently warming your milk until it’s just about body temperature (around 110°F—think warm but not hot). Stir in a bit of sugar and then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let this sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes. When you see a foamy, bubbly surface, you’ll know your yeast is alive and kicking—this is the secret to those pillowy soft rolls!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour and salt first, mixing them to evenly distribute the salt. Add the softened butter, eggs, and the now-frothy yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together, then add the remaining flour a bit at a time. You’re aiming for a soft, slightly sticky dough that holds its shape—don’t be tempted to add too much flour!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for around 5-7 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic under your hands. Add a sprinkle more flour if needed, but less is more. Proper kneading at this stage gives you that signature soft, pull-apart texture every great cinnamon roll needs.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot for about an hour. During this time, the dough should double in size—proof that all your hard work kneading paid off!

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, combine softened butter, brown sugar, the remaining white sugar, and plenty of cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until you have a thick, spreadable paste. If you’re a fan of nuts, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans now to add texture and flavor to your cinnamon roll recipe with cream cheese frosting.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Punch down the risen dough and gently roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. The more evenly you roll, the prettier your spirals will be after cutting.

Step 7: Spread the Filling

Using a spatula, spread your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a slim border around the edges. This ensures the gooey filling stays exactly where you want it—inside every bite.

Step 8: Roll the Dough

Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Take your time and keep it snug to create those beautiful, even spirals that make cinnamon rolls so appealing.

Step 9: Cut the Rolls

Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12-15 equal pieces, depending on how big you want your finished rolls. Arrange them in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space for them to puff up and snuggle in together as they bake.

Step 10: Let the Rolls Rise Again

Cover your dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes. You’ll see them get wonderfully puffy, ready to bake up into the softest swirled buns you’ve ever tasted.

Step 11: Preheat the Oven

While the rolls enjoy their final rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are.

Step 12: Bake the Rolls

Bake your rolls for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden on top and cooked through. The tops should look set, but still have a little softness when you press them—no one wants a dry cinnamon roll!

Step 13: Prepare the Frosting

For the crown jewel of this cinnamon roll recipe with cream cheese frosting, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. The result is a dreamy, spreadable frosting with just the right balance of sweetness and tang. Taste and add extra powdered sugar or vanilla if you like it sweeter or more aromatic.

Step 14: Frost the Rolls

Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and have cooled for a few minutes, slather on the cream cheese frosting. The warmth from the rolls will melt it slightly, letting it ooze perfectly into every swirl and crevice.

Step 15: Serve

Take a moment to admire those perfect spirals, then serve your rolls warm and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy!

How to Serve 

Garnishes

For an extra-special finish, sprinkle the tops of your rolls with a dusting of cinnamon, a light grating of orange zest, or a handful of toasted chopped nuts. Each garnish adds a unique touch to your cinnamon roll recipe with cream cheese frosting, making them look as irresistible as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon rolls with a fresh fruit salad, a big mug of hot coffee, or even a tangy yogurt parfait for a well-rounded brunch spread. Savory classics like scrambled eggs or crispy bacon are also wonderful partners, giving a balanced contrast to every sweet, gooey bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your cinnamon roll recipe with cream cheese frosting into a holiday showstopper by arranging the rolls in a circle to form a festive “cinnamon roll wreath.” For parties, try baking individual rolls in muffin tins or use a drizzle of chocolate sauce over the frosting for an extra-decadent treat—presentation is half the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cinnamon roll recipe with cream cheese frosting tasting fresh, cover any leftover rolls tightly (plastic wrap or an airtight container works best) and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This will keep the frosting from melting and the rolls nice and moist.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your rolls, let them cool completely (unfrosted, ideally), then arrange in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven, and add fresh cream cheese frosting just before serving for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Warm individual cinnamon rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or cover a whole tray with foil and reheat in a 300°F oven until soft and just heated through. This brings back that tender crumb and makes the frosting beautifully creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! You can substitute instant yeast one-to-one for active dry yeast in this cinnamon roll recipe with cream cheese frosting. Just skip the initial activation step and add it directly to the flour, but keep the rest of the recipe the same.

What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?

If you’re out of cream cheese, try making a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk, or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Your cinnamon rolls will still be delicious—sometimes improvisation leads to fun new favorites!

How do I prevent my rolls from becoming dry?

Be cautious not to add too much flour during kneading and avoid overbaking. Store leftovers tightly covered to keep them soft, and some folks even add a small dish of water to the oven while baking for extra moisture.

Can I prepare the rolls the night before?

You sure can! After cutting the rolls and placing them in the pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking as normal—a perfect solution for busy mornings.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Simply double all of the ingredients and divide the dough between two baking dishes. Make sure there’s enough space in your oven for both pans to bake evenly, and get ready to be everyone’s favorite brunch host.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the magic of baking a batch of homemade cinnamon rolls, especially when made with this Cinnamon Roll Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting. Every swirl promises comfort, joy, and just a little bit of kitchen triumph. Give it a try—you’re about to create something that’ll become a beloved tradition in your home!

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