These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet cinnamon swirl that’s hard to resist! Topped with a creamy cheese frosting, they’re a delightful treat.
Honestly, what’s better than waking up to the smell of warm cinnamon rolls? I can’t help but have one (or two) for breakfast—it’s like a cozy hug in dessert form! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast, so using whole or 2% milk is ideal. If you’re dairy-free, try almond or oat milk, ensuring it’s at the right temperature.
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for fluffy rolls. If you’re out of active dry yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast, using the same amount. No need to activate instant yeast; just mix it with the dry ingredients!
Granulated Sugar: This not only sweetens the dough but also feeds the yeast. You can use brown sugar for an extra depth of flavor, or coconut sugar if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted for precision in seasoning. If you prefer a dairy-free option, vegan butter works well too. For a lighter version, you could use applesauce or yogurt in the dough instead of butter.
Cream Cheese: This is what gives the frosting its delicious tang. If you’re watching your calories, you can use low-fat cream cheese, or if you’re vegan, opt for a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Cinnamon Rolls Are Perfectly Fluffy?
Getting that soft and fluffy texture is all about the yeast and rising times. Here’s what to focus on:
- **Activate the Yeast:** Ensure your milk is warm, not hot! If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast.
- **Kneading:** Knead the dough well until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten, giving the rolls structure.
- **Rising Time:** Don’t rush the rising. Let the dough double in size. If it’s a cool day, find a warm spot, like an oven turned off with the light on.
- **Final Rise:** After rolling and cutting, give them another rise before baking to get that fluffy texture.
With these tips, you’ll have amazing cinnamon rolls every time! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (optional, to adjust consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cinnamon rolls recipe takes about 2-2.5 hours in total. You’ll spend about 20-30 minutes preparing the ingredients and making the dough, about 1.5 hours waiting for the dough to rise, and another 25-30 minutes for baking. Let’s not forget a little time for cooling and spreading on that delicious frosting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows your yeast is active!
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Forming the Dough:
Slowly add flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s nice and smooth. You want it to be elastic and slightly tacky but not sticky.
4. Letting It Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Make the Filling:
While waiting for the dough, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set this delicious mixture aside for later!
6. Rolling Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
7. Spreading the Butter:
Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, covering it completely.
8. Adding the Cinnamon Sugar:
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered dough evenly. This step is what makes these rolls incredibly tasty!
9. Rolling It Up:
Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. The tighter you roll, the better your cinnamon rolls will look!
10. Slicing the Rolls:
Cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place these cut-side-up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
11. Second Rise:
Cover the pan again and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until they double in size.
12. Preheating and Baking:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly!
13. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy. If you want your frosting a bit thinner, add milk until you reach the right consistency.
14. Cooling the Rolls:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly for about 10 minutes. This will make frosting them so much easier!
15. Frosting Time:
Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls, letting it melt slightly for that irresistible gooeyness.
16. Serve and Enjoy!
Your cinnamon rolls are ready to be devoured! Serve them warm, and enjoy the scrumptiousness of your homemade treat!
This recipe creates soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a rich, sweet cinnamon filling and a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting on top—just as pictured!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in denser rolls. For the best texture, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain lightness while adding some whole grain goodness!
How Do I Properly Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out and continuing with the recipe the next day.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese for the Frosting?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can make a simple vanilla icing using powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth for a sweet topping, though it won’t have that classic cream cheese tang.