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Freshly baked cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting on a baking tray

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

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  • Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 min
  • Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls

Ingredients

Cinnamon Roll Dough

  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 105°F–110°F
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
  • 1 tsp salt

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Add the warm milk, yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar to a large mixing bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
  2. Add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter and vanilla. Mix until combined.
  3. Add the flour and salt. Using a dough hook, mix on low until a dough forms.
  4. Knead on medium-low speed for 5–7 minutes, until the dough is soft and slightly tacky. Add additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time only if necessary.
  5. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon and salt together in a small bowl.
  7. Transfer the risen dough to a lightly floured surface and roll into approximately a 14 x 18-inch rectangle.
  8. Spread the softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
  9. Starting with a long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
  10. Cut into 12 equal cinnamon rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
  11. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
  12. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
  13. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  14. Bake for 22–27 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through.
  15. Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for approximately 10 minutes.
  16. Meanwhile, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  17. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla and salt. Beat until creamy.
  18. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
  19. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
  20. Serve warm.

Notes

Make ahead: Assemble the cinnamon rolls through step 10, place them in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for approximately 45–60 minutes before baking.

Yeast: Your milk should be warm, not hot. Aim for approximately 105°F–110°F when using active dry yeast.

Don’t overbake: Pull the cinnamon rolls from the oven when they’re lightly golden and cooked through. Overbaking will make them dry rather than soft and fluffy.

Storage: Store frosted cinnamon rolls covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Microwave individual rolls for approximately 15–20 seconds before serving.

  • Author: Capsule of Sunshine
  • Prep Time: 25 min
  • Cook Time: 22-27 min
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking

Find it online: https://capsuleofsunshine.com/easy-homemade-cinnamon-rolls/