Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a bakery-worthy treat that’s truly made from scratch, you’re going to love this Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how these rolls come out soft, tender, and loaded with that classic cinnamon-sugar swirl topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s just the right amount of tangy and sweet. When I first tried making cinnamon rolls at home, I was surprised at how straightforward and rewarding it was — and trust me, you’ll find plenty of little tips here to make sure your batch turns out perfect every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple pantry staples that work beautifully together, creating a soft dough, spicy filling, and creamy frosting. When shopping, make sure your yeast is fresh and your milk is warmed just right —you’ll see why soon!

• Active dry yeast: Fresh yeast helps the dough rise beautifully; look for an unexpired packet.
• Whole milk: Warm milk (110° to 115°) activates the yeast perfectly; too hot can kill it.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast, making the dough tender.
• Butter: Melted butter enriches the dough, plus softened butter for the filling and frosting adds rich flavor.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs improve the dough’s structure and texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base for the dough; use 4 to 4 ½ cups to get the right consistency.
• Brown sugar: For that deep, caramel-y sweet filling paired with cinnamon.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice of the filling—make sure it’s fresh for the best aroma.
• Cream cheese: Softened for a smooth, tangy frosting that complements the sweet rolls perfectly.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the frosting.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Creates that melt-in-your-mouth frosting texture.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Adding different fillings or frosting twists make it your own.

• Nutty Delight: I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a crunchy texture that’s so satisfying.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter with plant-based margarine and use a flax egg for a vegan-friendly roll; cream cheese frosting can be replaced with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
• Seasonal Spice: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling gives an autumnal twist I love making around the holidays.
• Extra Gooey: For an extra indulgent treat, I’ll spread a bit of cream cheese inside the roll before rolling it up — it’s amazing, but be sure not to overdo it!

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast and combine wet ingredients

Start by warming your whole milk to between 110° and 115°F — warm enough to feel cozy on your wrist but not hot, or it might kill the yeast. Sprinkle the yeast on top, then give it a few minutes to bloom until it looks foamy and alive. This step is key; if the yeast doesn’t foam, your rolls won’t rise properly. While waiting, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and sugar in your mixing bowl, then add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.

Step 2: Mix and knead the dough

Next, sprinkle in the salt and 4 cups of flour. Use your mixer’s beater blade to combine until the mixture barely pulls together. Then, swap out for the dough hook attachment to knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. This is when the magic happens; good kneading develops the gluten that gives your rolls their soft, yet sturdy texture. If the dough feels too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time until manageable.

Step 3: First rise

Transfer your dough to a greased bowl and turn it once to coat the top lightly with oil. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour — it should double in size. I like to put mine near a slightly warm oven or on top of the fridge. Don’t rush this step; proper rising means fluffier, lighter rolls.

Step 4: Prepare the filling and shape the rolls

While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. After the dough doubles, punch it down to release the air, then roll it out on a floured surface into an 11×8-inch rectangle. Brush softened butter across the surface, then sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mix evenly, leaving about a half-inch border free around the edges to help seal the roll. Roll it jelly-roll style starting with the long side, then pinch the seam to seal tightly.

Step 5: Slice and second rise

Cut the rolled dough into 8 to 12 slices depending on how thick you want your rolls. I like mine a little thick for that pillowy center. Place them cut-side down in a greased 13×9-inch pan, cover with a kitchen towel, and let them rise again until doubled — about another hour. This second rise gives you that light, bouncy texture everyone loves.

Step 6: Bake and cool

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake your rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. The smell during baking is something else — it fills the whole house with cozy cinnamon warmth. Let them cool on a wire rack before frosting to avoid melting the frosting too much.

Step 7: Make the cream cheese frosting and frost the rolls

Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and blended. Add vanilla extract and salt, then gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar until you get a thick but spreadable frosting. Spread it generously over the warm rolls — it melts just enough to seep into every nook and cranny, making them absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with just cream cheese frosting, but sometimes I sprinkle a few chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top for some extra flair and crunch. Fresh berries on the side also make a lovely, fresh pairing.

Side Dishes

These rolls are delicious on their own but also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a simple breakfast egg bake to round out the morning meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual rolls in muffin tins for single servings—it makes them extra cute and perfect for brunch gatherings. You can drizzle extra frosting or even a light caramel sauce on top for that wow-factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they’ve cooled, I store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep beautifully for up to 4 days and still taste fresh and soft.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unbaked rolls after slicing them—just place them in the pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise, then bake as usual. It’s a lifesaver for busy mornings.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, I pop individual rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Adding a little extra frosting or butter on top after reheating brings back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I definitely recommend giving this Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a go, especially if you love baking from scratch. There’s something so comforting about waking up to the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls and sharing them with your loved ones. It’s a bit of effort, but the results are beyond worth it, and you’ll feel like a total baking pro afterward. Trust me, once you make them, these will become your go-to special breakfast or brunch recipe!

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