Classic Cinnamon Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe | May 18, 2025

This recipe provides instructions for making a classic Cinnamon Roll, a sweet, rolled pastry made from a yeast-leavened dough, filled with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. The dough is typically enriched with butter, milk, and sometimes eggs, resulting in a soft and tender crumb. After the dough rises, it is rolled out into a rectangle, spread with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, rolled up tightly, and cut into individual swirls. These rolls are then baked until golden brown and puffed. The signature element is the generous slathering of cream cheese frosting, which adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the warm, spiced rolls. Often enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat, homemade cinnamon rolls are a comforting and indulgent pastry that fills the kitchen with a delightful aroma. The image shows a single, partially eaten cinnamon roll on a white plate. The roll has a swirled interior showing layers of dough and a cinnamon-sugar filling. It is generously topped with a thick, white cream cheese frosting that has a slightly glossy appearance and a piped swirl on top. A dusting of powdered sugar is visible on some parts of the roll and the plate.

The dough for cinnamon rolls typically starts with all-purpose flour, providing the structure. Yeast (active dry, instant dry, or fresh) is the leavening agent, creating the rise and characteristic airy texture. Warm milk (or a combination of milk and water) hydrates the flour and activates the yeast, also contributing to the soft crumb. Granulated sugar not only adds sweetness but also feeds the yeast. Melted butter (or softened butter) enriches the dough, making it tender and flavorful. An egg (or sometimes more) adds richness, moisture, and structure. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

The filling consists of softened butter, which is spread over the rolled-out dough to help the cinnamon-sugar adhere and to add flavor. Granulated sugar provides the primary sweetness in the filling. Ground cinnamon is the key spice, imparting its warm and aromatic flavor.

The classic topping is a cream cheese frosting. Cream cheese, softened, provides a tangy base. Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth consistency. Milk or heavy cream is added to achieve the desired spreadable consistency. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor with its warm notes.

The preparation involves making the dough, allowing it to rise, rolling it out, spreading the filling, rolling it up, cutting it into rolls, proofing the rolls, baking them until golden brown, and finally frosting them once slightly cooled.

Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are best enjoyed warm, shortly after baking and frosting, when they are soft, gooey, and the frosting is melty.

The texture is soft, tender, and slightly chewy dough with a gooey, cinnamon-sugar swirl and a smooth, creamy frosting.

The flavor is a delightful combination of sweet dough, warm and spicy cinnamon, and a tangy, rich cream cheese frosting.

Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are sweet, yeast-leavened rolls filled with cinnamon and sugar, baked until golden, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.

The preparation involves making a dough, rolling it with a cinnamon-sugar filling, cutting it into rolls, baking, and frosting.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast or instant dry yeast
1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 large egg, at room temperature
½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150 grams) packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
2-3 cups (240-360 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (optional)
Optional:

Powdered sugar for dusting
Equipment:

Large mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Clean work surface
Rolling pin
Small bowl (for filling)
Rubber spatula or knife (for spreading)
9×13 inch baking pan
Small mixing bowl (for frosting)
Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

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