Print

Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 12 reviews

These Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are a delightful homemade treat featuring a soft, buttery dough filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture and topped with a rich cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they deliver a warm and comforting flavor with a tender, fluffy texture.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1/3 cup warm water
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 package)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup lukewarm milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)

Cream Cheese Icing

  • 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon milk (optional, to adjust icing consistency)

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon salt then set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together instant yeast, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and warm water. Let it rest for 5 minutes until foamy. Add eggs, lukewarm milk, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and melted butter to yeast mixture and whisk until combined. Pour the liquid mixture into the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes, ideally in a warm spot.
  2. Make cinnamon sugar filling: In a small bowl, whisk dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside. The softened butter will be used to spread over the dough.
  3. Prepare the rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with baking spray. Flour a clean flat surface generously along with your hands and a rolling pin to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough to a 16 by 13 inches rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure not to roll it too thin so it can hold the filling.
  4. Add filling and roll up: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough’s surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top of the buttered dough. Starting from the long edge farthest from you, tightly roll the dough towards the bottom edge.
  5. Cut and arrange rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 12 slices approximately 2 inches thick. Place the slices cut side up into the prepared baking pan. Let the rolls rest and rise for 10 minutes.
  6. Bake the rolls: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Make the cream cheese icing: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt and mix until creamy and fully combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. If the icing is too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon of milk to reach desired consistency.
  8. Ice and serve: Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. Serve warm for the best experience or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Using room temperature ingredients helps the dough develop better texture.
  • Make sure the water and milk are lukewarm (not hot) to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Flour the rolling surface liberally to prevent sticking without toughening the dough.
  • You can store leftover rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate, then reheat gently.
  • The cream cheese icing tastes best freshly made and applied while rolls are warm.
  • Feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for variety.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/fluffy-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-icing-recipe/