Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

42

There’s just something magical about the smell of freshly baked Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls wafting through the house! I remember the first time I made these delightful rolls. It was a chilly Saturday morning, and I wanted to treat my family to something special. As the rolls baked, my kitchen transformed into a cozy haven, and I could hardly wait for them to cool down. These rolls have become a staple in our home, perfect for lazy weekends or even special celebrations. Trust me, whether you serve them for breakfast or as a sweet dessert, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “cinnamon roll!”

What I love most about this recipe is how soft and fluffy each roll turns out, with a rich cream cheese filling that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. It’s a treat that brings everyone together, and my family absolutely craves them. So, let’s dive into making these scrumptious Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls that will have your loved ones begging for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

Oh my goodness, where do I even start? These Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are truly a game changer! First off, the texture is just heavenly. You’ll find yourself sinking your teeth into soft, fluffy rolls that practically melt in your mouth. And that cream cheese filling? It’s rich, luscious, and perfectly balances the warm spices of cinnamon and sugar. I mean, who can resist that?

But it doesn’t stop there! The versatility of this recipe is another reason to adore it. You can serve these rolls for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet treat after dinner. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family morning or a festive holiday gathering. Plus, they’re easily adaptable! Want to add nuts for a little crunch? Go for it! Or how about a drizzle of maple syrup on top? Yes, please! The possibilities are endless, and each variation is just as delightful. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your home, too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp all-purpose flour, sifted (for dusting)
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (slightly warmed, about 110°F)
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, whisked
• 1 1/2 Tbsp active dry yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, measured then sifted
• 16 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (this makes for a rich, buttery dough)
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature (make sure it’s nice and soft for easy spreading)
• 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar (for that sweet filling!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty of making these fabulous Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you every step of the way! Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a batch of warm, gooey goodness ready to enjoy.

Preparing the Dough

First things first, we need to get that dough going! Start by warming your milk slightly in the microwave or on the stove until it’s about 110°F—just warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot that it cooks it. Sprinkle the yeast and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar into the warm milk, then give it a gentle stir. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all frothy and bubbly; this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the whisked eggs, sifted flour, and salt. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture and mix everything until a dough starts to form. You want to see it come together but don’t stress if it looks a bit shaggy; it’ll come together beautifully when you start kneading!

Now, dust your countertop with a bit of flour and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It’s like giving it a little workout! Once you’ve got that perfect texture, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is the part where the magic happens!

Shaping the Rolls

Once your dough has risen, it’s time for the fun part! Gently punch it down to release the air, then turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Now, grab that softened butter and spread it evenly across the dough—don’t be shy! Next, sprinkle the cream cheese, ground cinnamon, and the remaining sugar over the butter. Make sure you cover every inch; we want that filling to be heavenly in every bite!

Now, here comes the rolling! Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Keep it snug, but don’t squish it too much! Once you’ve got your log, use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to slice it into 12 equal pieces. Place them in a greased baking pan, cut sides up, and make sure they’re nicely spaced. They’ll puff up and get cozy with each other as they bake!

Baking the Rolls

Before we bake, we need to give our rolls one last rise! Cover the pan with a towel and let them sit for another 30 minutes. You want them to puff up and look fluffy and delightful. While they’re rising, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After their second rise, pop them into the oven for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like a cinnamon paradise!

Once baked, let them cool slightly in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving. Trust me, that anticipation will make the first bite even more rewarding! Enjoy these delightful rolls warm and fresh, and watch them disappear in no time!

Variations

One of the best things about these Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls is how easily they can be customized to fit your mood or the season! Feeling a bit adventurous? Why not try adding some chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful crunch? Just sprinkle them in with the cinnamon and sugar — it adds a lovely texture!

If you want to switch up the spices, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or even pumpkin pie spice for a cozy autumn twist. It gives the rolls a warm, festive flavor that’s perfect for holiday gatherings! And don’t forget about the fillings! You could swap out the cream cheese filling for a rich chocolate spread, or even a fruity jam for a sweet surprise. Just spread it evenly in place of the cream cheese, and you’ll have a whole new flavor experience!

Lastly, for a fun topping, drizzle a bit of maple syrup or a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the warm rolls once they come out of the oven. It takes them to a whole new level! The possibilities are endless, and each variation is just as scrumptious as the last!

Serving and Storage Tips

When it comes to serving your Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls, I recommend enjoying them warm and fresh out of the oven. They’re perfect on their own, but if you want to make them extra special, consider adding a drizzle of cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. They’re also fantastic with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat!

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week—just make sure to reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that soft, gooey texture. You can also freeze the rolls! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat them gently in the oven or microwave. Trust me, they’ll taste as good as fresh!

Helpful Notes

Before you dive into making these delicious Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls, here are a few tips to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly every time! First, using room temperature ingredients is key. This includes your eggs, butter, and cream cheese. It helps everything blend together smoothly and contributes to that lovely, fluffy texture we all crave.

If you find yourself wanting a sweeter roll, feel free to adjust the sugar in the filling. A little extra sweetness can go a long way, especially if you plan to top them with icing! Also, remember that the dough rises best in a warm environment. If your kitchen is chilly, you can create a cozy spot by placing the bowl in a turned-off oven with just the light on. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze these Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to save some for later. Just wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, and then reheat them in the oven or microwave.

2. What if I don’t have whole milk?

No worries! You can substitute with any milk you have on hand, like 2% or even almond milk. Just make sure it’s slightly warmed to activate the yeast.

3. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking. This will save you time and make your mornings sweeter!

4. What if my dough isn’t rising?

If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your milk isn’t too hot when you add the yeast, as that can kill it. If the yeast is frothy after mixing with milk and sugar, you’re good to go!

5. Can I use a different filling?

Of course! Feel free to get creative. Nutella, fruity jams, or even a chocolate hazelnut spread can make for a delicious twist. Just spread it evenly, and you’ll have a whole new flavor adventure!

Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks! Your very own recipe for the most delightful Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls that will make any breakfast or dessert feel like a celebration. I can’t wait for you to try them out in your own kitchen. Remember, the joy of baking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t hesitate to put your own spin on these rolls!

Once you’ve whipped up a batch, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Did you try any variations? Share your experiences and let’s spread the love for these gooey, delicious treats. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always smell like cinnamon and sweetness!

Print