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Easy Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

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This recipe delivers soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls topped with a rich yet tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 g)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g)
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml), warmed to 110°F (43°C)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56 g), melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (150 g), packed
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56 g), softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese (115 g), softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28 g), softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g), sifted
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, stir the warm milk (110°F/43°C) with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl or mixer, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead with a stand mixer dough hook on medium speed for 5–7 minutes or by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.25 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined and spreadable.
  5. Roll out the dough: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge.
  6. Shape the rolls: Starting from the long edge with filling, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal slices (about 1.5 inch each) using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  7. Second rise: Arrange the rolls cut side up in a greased 9×13-inch pan, leaving space between them. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. Make the cream cheese frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy.
  10. Frost and serve: Let rolls cool for 10 minutes, then spread frosting while rolls are still warm.

Notes

If dough feels sticky during rolling, sprinkle a little flour on the surface but avoid too much to prevent tough rolls. Use a serrated knife or dental floss to cut rolls cleanly. For a faster second rise, place rolls in a warm oven (turned off) with a bowl of hot water inside. Frost rolls while warm for best melting effect. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend with xanthan gum. For vegan, substitute plant-based butter and cream cheese and use a flax egg.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, breakfast, brunch, easy recipe, fluffy rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/easy-fluffy-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting-perfect-for-breakfast/