There’s something about the warm, gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls that just makes everything feel cozy. Whether you’re waking up on a lazy weekend morning or surprising your loved ones with a sweet treat, these cinnamon rolls are sure to make your day a little brighter. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe—it’s soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet, all topped off with a delicious frosting that takes it to the next level. Let’s dive into why you’ll want to make these today!
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Rolls with Frosting
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a family breakfast, bringing a little joy to your weekend, or just treating yourself, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for every occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for a family breakfast, brunch gatherings, or just a cozy day at home. Imagine the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen—it’s like a warm hug in the form of food.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples, this recipe won’t break the bank. No need to hunt down exotic ingredients; you’ve likely got everything you need already.
Quick and Easy: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof. With just a few steps, you’ll have soft, fresh cinnamon rolls ready to enjoy.
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or add extra spices to your liking. Want to get fancy? Add a sprinkle of nuts or raisins inside the rolls.
Crowd-Pleasing: These cinnamon rolls are a guaranteed hit with everyone—kids, adults, or anyone who has a sweet tooth. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weekend or a special gathering.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these cinnamon rolls—they’re made with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s break it down:
- Flour: The base of the dough. This gives the rolls their soft, fluffy texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough and adds to that irresistible cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Butter: Makes everything rich and flavorful. The secret to soft, tender rolls.
- Milk: Helps create the perfect dough consistency.
- Yeast: The magic ingredient that makes these rolls rise and become light and airy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Eggs: Gives the dough richness and helps it hold together.
- Cinnamon: The star of the show! Adds that comforting, warm spice that makes these rolls unforgettable.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the sweetness of the cinnamon.
- Frosting Ingredients: Cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract—this frosting is creamy and decadent, the perfect finishing touch.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with frosting:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cinnamon rolls will bake evenly and become golden brown.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine your dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt) with the yeast. Then add your wet ingredients (milk, butter, eggs). Mix until the dough comes together. Knead for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise: Cover your dough with a clean towel and let it rise for about an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s doubled in size!
4. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread a generous layer of softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle it evenly with cinnamon and brown sugar.
5. Roll and Slice: Starting at one end, carefully roll the dough into a log. Slice it into individual rolls, about 1-2 inches thick.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and have risen beautifully.
7. Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by mixing together cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the frosting over the top while they’re still warm. The frosting will melt into every crevice, making them even more irresistible.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, gooey goodness of these cinnamon rolls. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack anytime!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls with Frosting
These cinnamon rolls are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:
Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast or brunch.
Coffee or Tea: Pair these warm, sugary rolls with a nice cup of coffee or tea for the perfect morning treat.
Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, top a cinnamon roll with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Fresh Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Make the dough the night before and store it in the fridge for an easy morning bake.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor in the filling.
Dietary Adjustments: You can make these rolls dairy-free by using plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven to freshen them up.
Double the Batch: These rolls freeze beautifully! Make extra and pop them in the freezer for a treat later on.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute butter with margarine?
A1: Yes! Margarine will work, but the rolls might be slightly less rich. If you can, use butter for the best flavor.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Definitely! You can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and bake them fresh in the morning.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven to enjoy.
Q4: Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
A4: Yes, freeze the rolls before baking! Simply let them rise, freeze them on a tray, and then store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake them from frozen when you’re ready.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat these rolls?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
Q7: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A7: You can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture might be denser. If you prefer lighter rolls, stick with all-purpose flour.
Q8: Can I add nuts or raisins?
A8: Yes! Feel free to add raisins, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips to the filling for a fun twist.
Q9: Can I make the frosting without cream cheese?
A9: Yes, you can substitute with just butter and powdered sugar for a simpler glaze.
Q10: How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
A10: The rolls should be golden brown on top and puffed up. You can also insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.
Conclusion
These cinnamon rolls with frosting are a total game-changer—warm, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the sweet aroma, indulge in the gooey goodness, and savor every bite. Happy baking!
Print
Cinnamon Rolls with Frosting
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and generously topped with a rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, they offer a delightful balance of warm spices and sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and eggs.
- Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×24-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is creamy and fluffy.
- Frost and Serve:
- Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the filling.
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg