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Close-up of a fluffy, golden-brown cinnamon roll generously topped with white icing, with a small bite missing.

Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing


  • Author: Lina Kohn
  • Total Time: 145 min
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A recipe for making soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a rich, sweet cream cheese glaze.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup whole milk, warm
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 2 tablespoons for filling
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, plus 1/2 cup for filling
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar


Instructions

  1. Combine the warm milk and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter, egg, and salt into the yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of softened butter (melted slightly if needed), and cinnamon for the filling. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge.
  7. Tightly roll the dough up starting from the long edge opposite the border. Pinch the seam closed.
  8. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
  9. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  10. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. While the rolls bake, make the icing: Beat the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add a tablespoon of milk if the icing is too thick.
  12. Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls.

Notes

  • For the softest rolls, ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
  • If you prefer a thinner icing, add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  • You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise once, punch it down, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and filling.
  • Prep Time: 45 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 45g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg