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Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

A close-up of a freshly baked cinnamon roll with a generous cream cheese glaze, on a white plate.

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Create ultra-fluffy, gooey cinnamon rolls with a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for weekend baking or make-ahead brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • For the Filling:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 24 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
  5. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
  6. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
  7. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long side. Pinch the seam to seal.
  8. Cut the roll into 12 equal slices. Place slices in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
  9. Cover and let rise for another 30-60 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. While rolls are baking, prepare the glaze: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
  12. Spread the glaze over warm cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • For overnight cinnamon rolls, prepare through step 7, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.
  • Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a softer dough.
  • For bakery-style buns, ensure the dough is well-kneaded and allowed to rise sufficiently.

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