Heavenly Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. These soft, fluffy rolls are made from scratch and swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling before being topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday gathering, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress. The best part? They taste even better than the ones from your favorite bakery!

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the entire process, from making the dough to rolling it out, filling it with cinnamon goodness, and baking them to golden perfection. We’ll also share tips to ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out light, pillowy, and absolutely irresistible.

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup whole milk (warm, around 110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (toasted, optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture and stir well.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
5. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
2. Spread the softened butter evenly over a clean, floured surface.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface.
4. If using, sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the sugar mixture.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release excess air.
2. Roll out the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
3. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough.
4. Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 even slices.
6. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a small space between them.
7. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes until they double in size.

Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
3. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly while preparing the frosting.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, then beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
3. If needed, add more heavy cream for a thinner consistency.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

1. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy these soft, gooey, and indulgent rolls!

These homemade cinnamon rolls are the perfect way to start the day or enjoy a comforting treat anytime. Their soft and fluffy texture, combined with the rich cinnamon filling and creamy frosting, makes them utterly irresistible. Whether served fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, they are bound to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite.

For extra indulgence, pair these cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea. If you want to prepare them ahead, you can refrigerate the dough overnight and bake them fresh in the morning. No matter how you enjoy them, one thing is certain—these cinnamon rolls will quickly become a favorite in your home!

Would you like some variations, such as adding a caramel drizzle or using a different type of frosting? Let me know how you’d like to customize them!