Indulge in the ultimate treat with these soft, pillowy cream cheese cinnamon rolls. Each bite is a swirl of sweet cinnamon goodness, enriched by a tangy cream cheese frosting that melts into the warm rolls fresh from the oven. The dough is tender and buttery, while the cinnamon sugar filling adds a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re making them for a special brunch or as a comforting dessert, these cinnamon rolls will fill your home with an irresistible aroma and are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Filling:
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional for desired consistency)
Instructions:
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread the softened butter over the dough.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a 15×9 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
- Roll and Cut:
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the longer side. Cut into 12 even slices.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Frosting:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk to adjust consistency if needed.
- Frost and Serve:
- Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, let them cool for about 5 minutes before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
These rolls are perfect fresh from the oven, but they can also be reheated for a delicious treat later on!
