Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Delicious homemade cinnamon rolls with a soft, fluffy dough, a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar filling, and topped with a rich cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or dessert treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
Filling:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Glaze:
- 4 tbsp cream cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed to achieve desired consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare yeast mixture: Warm the milk slightly until just above room temperature (do not exceed 104°F). Stir in the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and frothy yeast mixture to dry ingredients. Mix to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough: Knead on a floured surface for 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Roll out dough: Roll dough on a floured surface into a 1/4 inch thick large rectangle.
- Add filling: Brush melted butter evenly over dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over buttered dough.
- Form rolls: Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Second rise: Arrange rolls in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish with space between. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare glaze: While baking, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined. Add milk tablespoon by tablespoon to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze and serve: Let rolls cool slightly in pan, then spread cream cheese glaze over warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is not too hot when activating yeast to avoid killing it.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk, butter, and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- If dough is sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time during kneading.
- You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it after the first rise to enhance flavor.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squashing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and warm before serving.
