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Get ready to indulge in the irresistible aroma and flavor of freshly baked cinnamon rolls straight from your own kitchen. Our Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is a delightful treat that will transport you to a cozy bakery with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you create these heavenly rolls that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a little sweetness.
Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a beloved baked treat that has deep roots in various culinary traditions. While the exact origin of cinnamon rolls is challenging to pinpoint, variations of this delectable pastry can be found across the globe.
- Ancient Roots: Cinnamon has a rich history and was highly prized in ancient Egypt. The use of cinnamon in pastries, like cinnamon rolls, can be traced back to the Middle Ages.
- European Influence: In Europe, cinnamon rolls are often associated with sweet, yeasted bread dough recipes like the Swedish “kanelbulle,” the German “Zimtschnecke,” or the British “Chelsea bun.”
- American Classic: In the United States, cinnamon rolls have become an iconic breakfast or brunch dish, and they are frequently enjoyed with a generous slathering of cream cheese frosting.
Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Cinnamon rolls are a beloved classic for a reason – the soft, buttery dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar, all topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, is pure comfort food. Making them from scratch allows you to experience the joy of baking and enjoy these sweet rolls at their freshest and finest.
Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment: Buy On Amazon
- Rolling pin: Buy On Amazon
- Pastry brush: Buy On Amazon
- 9x13-inch baking pan: Buy On Amazon
- Parchment paper: Buy On Amazon
- Sharp knife or dough cutter: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Mixing bowls: Buy On Amazon
- Plastic wrap: Buy On Amazon
- Cooling rack: Buy On Amazon
Ingredients
For the Dough:
For the Filling:
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a mixing bowl (or a stand mixer bowl), combine the yeast mixture, sugar, softened butter, eggs, flour, and salt.
Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or by hand with a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, make the cinnamon sugar filling by combining the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until it forms a smooth paste.
Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 16x21-inch rectangle.
Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Starting with the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Seal the seam by pinching it gently.
Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dough cutter.
Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
Place the cinnamon roll slices in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they're golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and well combined.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Adjust the frosting consistency by adding 2-3 tablespoons of milk as needed.
Frost and Serve:
Allow the baked cinnamon rolls to cool for a few minutes in the pan, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
Serve the cinnamon rolls while they're still warm, and enjoy!
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 490.48kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16.33g26%
- Saturated Fat 9.57g48%
- Trans Fat 0.11g
- Cholesterol 72.68mg25%
- Sodium 251.95mg11%
- Potassium 140.38mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 80.09g27%
- Dietary Fiber 1.96g8%
- Sugars 46.45g
- Protein 7.09g15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.
Note
Tips and Variations:
- For a twist, add chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) to the filling.
- Drizzle caramel sauce or maple syrup over the rolls before serving for extra sweetness.
- Experiment with different frosting flavors like maple or coffee glaze.
Serving Suggestions:
- Cinnamon rolls are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or cold milk.
- Serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting dessert.
Allergen Information:
Consider the following allergen information when making Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting:
Dairy Allergy: Cinnamon rolls and cream cheese frosting typically contain dairy, so individuals with dairy allergies should use dairy-free alternatives.
Gluten Allergy: The dough used in traditional cinnamon rolls contains gluten. Consider using a gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten allergies.
Nut Allergies: Some recipes include nuts, like pecans or walnuts, as a topping. Be mindful of nut allergies, and omit them or choose a nut-free recipe.
Wine or Drink Pairing:
Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are often enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch dish and pair well with various beverages:
Coffee: A warm cup of coffee, whether black or with cream and sugar, is a classic pairing that complements the sweet and cinnamon-spiced flavors.
Hot Chocolate: The cozy and comforting nature of hot chocolate makes it an excellent choice for a sweet cinnamon roll.
Milk: A glass of cold milk, whether dairy or plant-based, provides a delightful contrast to the warm and sweet pastry.
Tea: A cup of black or herbal tea can be a more mellow but enjoyable choice to balance the sweetness.
Storage and Leftovers:
To keep your Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting fresh and tasty:
Room Temperature: If you plan to consume them within a day or two, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. However, they may become less fresh over time.
Refrigeration: To extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
Freezing: You can freeze cinnamon rolls before or after baking. Wrap them well to prevent freezer burn, and they can be stored for a few months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
