Cinnamon rolls are a beloved breakfast pastry, known for their soft, fluffy texture and sweet, cinnamon-filled swirls. When topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they become a truly indulgent treat.
Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast or a special occasion, homemade cinnamon rolls are sure to impress. While they require some time to prepare, the process is straightforward, and the results are worth it.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting.
What Makes Perfect Cinnamon Rolls?
The perfect cinnamon roll has a light, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. The dough should be soft and airy, and the cinnamon filling should be perfectly spiced, without being too overpowering. The rolls should be swirled neatly, with the sweet cinnamon-sugar filling evenly distributed.
The cream cheese frosting on top adds the perfect finishing touch, with a sweet and tangy flavor that balances the richness of the rolls.
Ingredients for Making Cinnamon Rolls
To make the perfect cinnamon rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Dough:
- Whole milk – 1 cup
- Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup
- Active dry yeast – 2 teaspoons
- Unsalted butter – 1/4 cup (melted)
- Eggs – 2 large (room temperature)
- All-purpose flour – 4 cups
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
For the Filling:
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup
- Ground cinnamon – 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted butter – 1/4 cup (softened)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese – 4 oz (softened)
- Unsalted butter – 1/4 cup (softened)
- Powdered sugar – 2 cups
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Milk – 1 tablespoon (to adjust consistency)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Rolls
Now that we have the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting.
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a small saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it’s lukewarm (about 110°F/43°C). Remove from heat and stir in the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
2. Let the Dough Rise
- Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
3. Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter.
4. Roll and Slice the Dough
- Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it.
- Slice the dough into 12-15 rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
5. Let the Rolls Rise Again
- Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffed up.
6. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. If the rolls start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the rolls are baking, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Add milk to adjust the consistency to your preference.
8. Frost and Serve
- Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls, letting it melt into the swirls.
- Serve the cinnamon rolls warm for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
- Don’t skip the rising time: Allow the dough to rise properly to achieve a soft, fluffy texture. Be patient, as the dough needs time to rise.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for the best results.
- Roll the dough tightly: Roll the dough as tightly as possible to ensure the cinnamon filling stays inside and the rolls hold their shape.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not letting the dough rise enough: The dough needs time to rise properly to create light, fluffy rolls. Don’t rush the process.
- Overbaking the rolls: Keep an eye on the rolls while they bake. Overbaking can make them dry. Check for doneness by gently pressing on the rolls—they should spring back.
Conclusion
Homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate indulgent treat. With their soft, fluffy texture and rich cinnamon flavor, they are perfect for any occasion.
By following these simple steps, you can create bakery-quality cinnamon rolls in your own kitchen.