Why You’ll Love This
Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze are the ultimate comfort pastry—soft, fluffy rolls filled with sweet cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese glaze. Freshly baked, they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. These homemade rolls are ideal for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or any time you want a bakery-style treat right from your oven.
Ingredients
For the Dough
● 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
● ¼ cup granulated sugar
● 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
● ½ teaspoon salt
● ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
● ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
● 1 large egg
● 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling
● ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
● ¾ cup brown sugar
● 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
● ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
● 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
● 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
● 1 cup powdered sugar
● ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
● 1–2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
Preparation Instructions
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Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. -
Make the Dough
Add melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. -
Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. -
First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size. -
Roll Out the Dough
Roll the dough into a rectangle about 12 × 16 inches. -
Add the Filling
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough. -
Roll and Slice
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 10–12 rolls. -
Second Rise
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes. -
Bake the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. -
Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, mixing until creamy. -
Glaze the Rolls
Spread the glaze over warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large mixing bowl
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Rolling pin
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Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
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Knife or dough cutter
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Hand mixer or whisk
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Clean kitchen towel
Tips
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Use warm milk, not hot: Hot milk can kill the yeast.
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Soft dough is best: Avoid adding too much flour to keep the rolls fluffy.
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Dental floss trick: Use unflavored dental floss to cut clean cinnamon roll slices.
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Extra gooey rolls: Pour ¼ cup warm cream over the rolls before baking.
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Overnight option: Refrigerate the rolls after shaping and bake them the next morning.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with fresh coffee or cappuccino.
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Pair with fresh fruit or berries for balance.
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Enjoy with hot chocolate or chai tea on cozy mornings.
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Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
Freezer:
Freeze baked rolls (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare and shape the rolls, then refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
2. Why are my cinnamon rolls dense?
This usually happens if too much flour is added or if the dough didn’t rise long enough.
3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes. You can mix instant yeast directly with the flour and skip the proofing step.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze are a classic homemade treat that never fails to impress. Soft, sweet, and filled with warm cinnamon flavor, these rolls are perfect for special breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or a cozy weekend bake. With their fluffy texture and rich glaze, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per roll)
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Calories: 340 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 48 g
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Protein: 6 g
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Fat: 14 g
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Sugar: 24 g
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Sodium: 210 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used. 🥐✨
