Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen? These Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor. Topped with a creamy, tangy frosting, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of the day.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp milk (optional, for thinning)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the dough

  1. In a small bowl, heat the milk until warm (about 110°F). Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar, stirring gently. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
  3. Add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture to the flour. Mix until a dough forms.
  4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the filling

  1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to form the filling.

Step 3: Roll and shape the dough

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface.
  2. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  3. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
  4. Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough to form a log.
  5. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 4: Bake the cinnamon rolls

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Make the cream cheese frosting

  1. While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost and serve

  1. Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, let them cool for 10 minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top.
  2. Serve warm and enjoy!

Historical Context:

Cinnamon rolls have a rich history that dates back to Sweden, where they are known as “kanelbullar.” Traditionally enjoyed with coffee, this sweet, spiced roll became popular worldwide and has evolved with various toppings and fillings, including the cream cheese frosting loved in North America.

Nutritional Information:

  • Calories per roll: 350-400
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbs: 50g
  • Fat: 15g

You can reduce the calorie content by using a light cream cheese or cutting back on the amount of frosting.

A plate of warm cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting, soft and fluffy with a golden-brown exterior and swirls of cinnamon filling.