Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls – Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistibly Rich

Introduction

Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are the ultimate comfort bake, combining pillowy-soft dough, a buttery cinnamon filling, and a smooth cream cheese glaze that melts into every swirl. These rolls are perfect for slow mornings, special breakfasts, or anytime you want a bakery-style treat made at home. I have made these countless times, and they never fail to impress. The aroma alone fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation, making them almost impossible to resist. What sets this recipe apart is the balance between sweetness and richness. The cream cheese frosting adds a gentle tang that keeps the rolls from being overly sweet, while the cinnamon sugar filling delivers classic, nostalgic flavor. Although they look impressive, these rolls are very approachable and rewarding to make, even for home bakers who are new to working with yeast.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft, generously filled, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. They can be made ahead of time, bake up beautifully, and taste just as good the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-Purpose Flour
Flour provides structure to the dough while keeping the rolls soft and tender when baked.

Active Dry Yeast
Yeast allows the dough to rise and creates the light, fluffy texture that defines a perfect cinnamon roll.

Warm Milk
Warm milk activates the yeast and enriches the dough, giving it a soft and delicate crumb.

Granulated Sugar
Sugar sweetens the dough lightly and helps feed the yeast for proper rising.

Butter
Butter adds richness to both the dough and the filling, enhancing flavor and tenderness.

Eggs
Eggs contribute structure and softness, giving the rolls a bakery-style texture.

Salt
Salt balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the dough and filling.

Brown Sugar
Brown sugar forms the base of the cinnamon filling, adding moisture and deep caramel notes.

Ground Cinnamon
Cinnamon provides warmth and classic spice, defining the signature flavor of the rolls.

Cream Cheese
Cream cheese creates a smooth, tangy frosting that balances the sweetness of the rolls.

Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting while keeping it silky and spreadable.

Vanilla Extract
Vanilla rounds out the frosting flavor and adds subtle aromatic depth.

Directions

Begin by activating the yeast in warm milk with a small amount of sugar. Allow it to sit until foamy, indicating the yeast is active. In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rise until doubled in size.

While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth and spreadable.

Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly across the surface, then roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into equal rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and allow them to rise again until puffy.

Bake until the rolls are golden and cooked through. While still warm, prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread generously over the warm rolls before serving.

Equipment needed :

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 cinnamon rolls. Preparation takes about 30 minutes, rising time is 1½ to 2 hours, and baking time is 25 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through and soft.

Variations and Customizations

These cinnamon rolls are easy to customize to suit your preferences. For extra richness, add heavy cream over the rolls just before baking to create an even softer texture. Chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled over the filling for added crunch.

If you enjoy stronger spice notes, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture. Orange zest in the filling or frosting adds a bright, aromatic twist.

For a lighter topping, replace the cream cheese frosting with a simple vanilla glaze. You can also reduce the sugar slightly in the filling if you prefer a less sweet roll.

To prepare these rolls ahead of time, assemble them fully and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature before baking the next morning.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

These cinnamon rolls are a rich, indulgent treat containing carbohydrates, fats, and sugars. They are vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted with dairy-free alternatives if needed.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Dough softness
Avoid adding too much flour to keep the rolls tender.

Even slicing
Use unflavored dental floss for clean, uniform cuts.

Frosting timing
Spread frosting while the rolls are warm so it melts slightly into the layers.

FAQs

Can I make cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, they can be assembled and refrigerated overnight before baking.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

The yeast may be inactive or the milk temperature may have been incorrect.

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes, baked rolls can be frozen and reheated gently.

Do I need a stand mixer?

No, the dough can be kneaded by hand.

How do I keep rolls soft after baking?

Store them tightly covered and avoid overbaking.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, the filling and frosting can be adjusted to taste.

What milk works best?

Whole milk provides the richest texture, but other types work as well.

Can I use instant yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be substituted with minor timing adjustments.

Why are my rolls dry?

Too much flour or overbaking are common causes.

Should I frost them immediately?

Frost while warm for best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are a timeless homemade treat that combines softness, warmth, and indulgent flavor. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to become a favorite recipe you return to again and again.

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