Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
These cinnamon rolls are a delightful mix of soft, fluffy dough layered with buttery cinnamon and brown sugar, all topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. The recipe is perfect for prepping the night before and enjoying warm, gooey rolls straight from the oven the next morning.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment (optional)
- Rolling Pin
- 9 × 13-inch nonstick metal baking pan
- Pastry brush
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 1 cup warm milk 110°F to 115°F
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant or rapid-rise yeast
- 1 large egg room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3 cups bread flour plus more as needed
- Vegetable or extra-light olive oil for greasing
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 4 ounces plain cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar plus more to taste
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Whisk in the egg, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add flour, stirring until the dough is tacky but not sticky. Knead for 3 minutes until smooth. Let rise in a greased bowl for 1–1 ½ hours in a warm place, until doubled in size.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 17 × 10-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting at one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal, then cut into 12 equal pieces. Place rolls in a greased 9 × 13-inch pan.
- Second Rise: Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 45–60 minutes until visibly puffed.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush rolls with melted butter and bake for 20–22 minutes, until golden and centers register 200°F. Let cool slightly.
- Make the Frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla, confectioners’ sugar, and salt, beating until creamy. Adjust sugar to taste.
- Frost and Serve: Generously spread frosting over warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Notes
Make Ahead: Prepare rolls up to the second rise, cover, and refrigerate for 8–12 hours. Let them come to room temperature for about 2 hours before baking.
Pro Tip: Use a nonstick metal pan to prevent over-browning and ensure even baking.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!