Is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen? These delicious Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a sweet cinnamon dream come true. Each roll is topped with a creamy, tangy glaze that’s almost too good to be true. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or sneaking one in as a late-night treat (no judgment here!).

Now, let’s talk about that dough: it might look a little shaggy at first – don’t worry! Keep mixing, and it’ll come together smooth and elastic. Trust the process! And when it comes to the cream cheese frosting, let’s be honest – you might want to double it. I mean, is there such a thing as too much cream cheese frosting? I don’t think so. Generously slather it on and watch these rolls go from amazing to unforgettable.

Let’s take a quick peek at how to make them, shall we?

Ingredients

Flour
Milk
Yeast
Sugar
Butter
Egg
Salt
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Warm the milk slightly, just until it’s above room temperature (do not exceed 40°C/104°F). If the milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast and the dough will not rise. Stir in the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
Mix until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Keep mixing! Soon, it will transform into a smooth, elastic dough.

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled.

2. Form the Rolls

Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Brush the surface with softened butter. Sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Dough rolled into a rectangle, covered with butter, and a small bowl of cinnamon sugar.

Dough covered with butter and cinnamon sugar.

Roll it up tightly from the long side and slice into 12 equal rolls.

Dough filled with cinnamon sugar and rolled up like a log.

Cinnamon rolls on a piece of parchment paper in a pan.

3. Bake the Rolls

Arrange rolls in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, leaving space between them. Cover with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Prepare the Glaze

While the rolls bake, mix the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, then milk as needed for a smooth, spreadable glaze.

Hand showing the layers of cinnamon and dough.

5. Finish and Serve

Let the rolls cool slightly, then generously spread the cream cheese glaze. Enjoy immediately!

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

Warm Ingredients: Use warm (not hot!) milk and butter to help the dough rise beautifully.
Shaggy Dough: The dough will start off shaggy but keep mixing; it will smooth out with a little patience! If you have a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, use it to make your life easier!
Frosting Lovers: Double the frosting recipe if you’re a serious fan – no one’s stopping you!

Substitutions & Variations

Filling Substitutions: Swap cinnamon for apple butter or a dollop of Nutella for a different flavor.
Dairy-Free: Try almond milk and vegan butter in the dough and filling.
Alternative Glazes: Drizzle with caramel or chocolate for a decadent twist!

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Up to 5 days; reheat before serving.
Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.