Go Back

Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the warmth of freshly baked Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls, enriched with a luscious cream cheese frosting for a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or gatherings.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting Spoon and level for accurate measurement.
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast One packet.
  • ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C) Warm to touch.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened For dough.
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened For filling.

Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk For frosting.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Activating the Yeast

  • In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir gently before adding the yeast. Let it stand for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Making the Dough

  • In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs. Stir until combined, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.

First Rise

  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.

Preparing the Filling

  • In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set this aside for later.

Rolling the Dough

  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly on top.

Creating Rolls

  • Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Second Rise

  • Cover the rolls again with a towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes until they puff up.

Baking

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden.

Preparing the Frosting

  • While the rolls cool, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Frosting and Serving

  • Spread the frosting over warm rolls and enjoy!

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and allow them to rise before baking. Reheat leftover rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds to restore their gooey goodness.
Keyword Baked Goods, Breakfast Treat, Cinnamon Rolls, Cream Cheese, Homemade Pastry