Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese

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Soft, pillowy rolls swirled with cinnamon-sugar and finished with a creamy glaze—this is the kind of bake that makes your kitchen smell like a hug. Whether for brunch, dessert, or a sweet weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls are pure comfort.
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🛒 Ingredients
For the Dough | |
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Warm milk (110°F / 45°C) | 1 cup |
Active dry yeast | 2¼ tsp (1 packet) |
Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
Unsalted butter (melted) | ⅓ cup |
Eggs (room temperature) | 2 large |
All-purpose flour | 4–4½ cups |
Salt | 1 tsp |
For the Filling | |
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Brown sugar (packed) | 1 cup |
Ground cinnamon | 2½ tbsp |
Unsalted butter (softened) | ⅓ cup |
For the Cream Cheese Icing | |
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Cream cheese (softened) | 4 oz |
Unsalted butter (softened) | ¼ cup |
Powdered sugar | 1½ cups |
Vanilla extract | ½ tsp |
Milk | 1–2 tbsp (to adjust consistency) |
👨🍳 Instructions
- Make the dough
In a large bowl, stir together warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Mix in sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size. - Prepare the filling
Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Roll out the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. - Shape the rolls
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
Arrange rolls in a greased baking pan. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy. - Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. - Make the icing
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
Add milk gradually until the icing is spreadable. - Finish & serve
Spread icing over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls. Serve warm and enjoy every gooey bite.
🍽️ Tips & Variations
- Make ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate. Let rise at room temp before baking.
- Add-ins: Sprinkle chopped pecans or raisins into the filling for extra texture.
- Flavor twist: Add a pinch of cardamom or orange zest to the icing for a festive touch.
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