Description
These Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls are soft, pillowy, and filled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl. They’re topped with a sweet cream cheese glaze that adds the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness. A delicious treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Mix the dough: Add melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing to form a dough. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a small bowl until smooth.
- Shape the rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about 14×9 inches). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll and slice: Roll the dough tightly from the long side and cut it into 12 slices. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Second rise: Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes, until they have expanded and are touching each other.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Make the glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- Glaze the rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- Freezing Tip: You can freeze unbaked rolls before the second rise. Just place them in a greased pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, allow the rolls to rise in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Toppings: Feel free to add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the filling or sprinkle them on top for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (not including rising time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cinnamon Rolls, Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, Sweet Rolls, Breakfast Bakes