Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting (Ultra Soft & Fluffy) 🇺🇸✨
Hi, I’m Raya welcome back to my kitchen! Today we are baking the ultimate bakery comfort food: Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting. Featuring pillowy soft yeast dough swirled with warm brown sugar and cinnamon, then smothered in rich melted cream cheese icing, these Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting will fill your home with the most amazing aroma!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
🥐 Pillowy Soft Texture: Soft, fluffy dough that melts in your mouth with every bite.
🧈 Warm Cinnamon Swirl: Rich brown sugar and cinnamon filling oozes through every spiral.
🧁 Cream Cheese Icing: Tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting melts into the warm rolls.
☕ Perfect Brunch Showstopper: The ultimate weekend breakfast treat for family gatherings.
⏱️ Foolproof Yeast Dough: Easy step-by-step instructions for guaranteed rise.
Key Ingredients for Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
All-Purpose Flour & Yeast: Creates the elastic, soft dough structure.
Warm Milk & Butter: Enriches the dough for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: The classic aromatic filling that caramelizes as it bakes.
Cream Cheese & Powdered Sugar: Whipped together for the signature velvety glaze. Heavy Cream (Secret Ingredient): Poured warm over rolls before baking for extra soft rolls!
Baker’s Note: Pouring 1/2 cup of warm heavy cream over the risen rolls right before they go into the oven keeps them ultra-moist and bakery-soft for days! For more yeast dough tips, check out King Arthur Baking’s cinnamon roll guide.
How to Make Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Knead warm milk, yeast, sugar, melted butter, egg, and flour into a smooth dough. Let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
Step 2: Roll dough into a large rectangle, spread softened butter, and sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly.
Step 3: Roll tightly into a log, slice into 12 equal rolls using dental floss or a serrated knife, and place in a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Let rise 30 minutes, pour warm heavy cream over rolls, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22 to 25 minutes until light golden.
Step 5: Spread cream cheese icing over warm cinnamon rolls immediately after baking and serve warm.
Raya’s Secret Tips for Success
Check Milk Temperature: Milk should be warm to the touch (around 110°F/43°C); if it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast.
Use Unflavored Dental Floss: Cutting rolls with dental floss prevents squishing the delicate dough spirals.
Frost While Warm: Spreading icing while rolls are warm allows it to melt into all the cracks and crevices.
How to Serve Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serve warm straight from the baking pan alongside a hot cup of fresh coffee, a caramel macchiato, or a cold glass of milk. They are the absolute star of holiday mornings, Sunday brunches, and cozy weekend treats!
Delicious Variations
🍎 Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls: Scatter finely diced apples over the cinnamon sugar filling.
Pecan Sticky Buns: Pour caramel sauce and pecans into the bottom of the baking pan before adding rolls.
🍫 Chocolate Nutella Rolls: Swap cinnamon sugar for a thick layer of Nutella spread.
How to Store Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days; warm in the microwave for 15 seconds before eating.
Freezing: Freeze baked rolls or unrisen sliced rolls for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cinnamon rolls overnight? Yes! Assemble rolls in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let rise for 45 minutes at room temp before baking.
Why are my cinnamon rolls tough? Adding too much flour or over-kneading the dough makes cinnamon rolls tough.
Keep dough soft and slightly tacky! Why didn’t my dough rise? Your milk was likely too hot, or your yeast was expired. Always check yeast expiration dates!
Love cozy bakery treats? Try my Authentic Sticky Toffee Pudding or my famous Ultimate Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting 🇺🇸✨
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings30
minutes25
minutes420
kcalClassic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Summary: Soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls packed with spiced sugar and smothered in rich cream cheese icing.
Ingredients
- For the Dough
3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk
2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temp
1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
- For the Filling
1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) brown sugar
2 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (warmed, for pouring before baking)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting
4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Add eggs, butter, salt, and flour; knead into a smooth dough and let rise 1 hour.
- Roll into a rectangle, spread butter, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar. Roll into a log and slice into 12 rolls.
- Place in pan, let rise 30 mins, pour warm heavy cream over top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22-25 mins.
- Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Spread over warm rolls and serve.
