Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze
These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and made with a no-knead, easy-to-handle dough. Topped with a light cream cheese glaze, they’re less sweet than store-bought rolls and perfect for any occasion.
Yield: 12 rolls
Total Time: About 3 hours (includes rise time)
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert, Breakfast
Keyword: Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 tbsp dry yeast
- 1/3 cup (70g) caster sugar (or white sugar), divided
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) warm water
- 4 1/2 cups (600g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (250 ml) lukewarm milk (whole or low-fat)
- 3.5 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Extra Flour
- 1/4 cup (35g) all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
Filling
- 6 tbsp (90g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon powder
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 3 oz (90g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups (150g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tbsp milk (or water)
Instructions
Make the Dough
1. Activate the Yeast
In a medium bowl, combine the yeast with 2 teaspoons of the sugar and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add the milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, and the yeast mixture (including all the froth). Stir with a wooden spoon until combined; the dough will be sticky and resemble muffin batter.
4. First Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place (around 77°F / 25°C) for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the dough has nearly tripled in size and has a bubbly surface.
Prepare the Rolls
5. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
6. Deflate the Dough
Uncover the dough and gently mix with a spoon to deflate.
7. Shape the Dough
Dust your work surface with half of the extra flour, then turn out the dough onto it. Sprinkle the remaining extra flour over the dough and work it in with your hands until the dough is soft, pliable, and no longer sticky (add more flour if needed).
8. Roll Out the Dough
Shape the dough into a log and roll it into an 11 x 19-inch (28 x 48 cm) rectangle. Brush the melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture, spreading it evenly.
9. Roll and Cut the Dough
Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into 12 even pieces, about 1.6 inches (4 cm) thick. Arrange the rolls in a lined 9 x 13-inch (23.5 x 31.5 cm) baking pan in a 3×4 pattern.
10. Second Rise
Cover the pan with a tea towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 40 minutes, or until nearly doubled in size.
Bake and Glaze
11. Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) or 320°F (160°C) for fan ovens. Position the rack in the center. Bake the rolls for 20 minutes, rotating the tray at 16 minutes, until the center rolls are golden and the outer edges are deep golden. When tapped, the rolls should sound hollow.
12. Optional Finishing Touch
For extra shine, brush the tops with 1 tbsp melted butter right after baking.
13. Cool
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the rolls from the pan onto a wire rack. Cool for 1 hour (they will still be slightly warm).
14. Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth (about 10–15 seconds). Gradually add the powdered sugar, then add enough milk to achieve a slightly drippable consistency.
15. Glaze and Serve
Using a spoon, generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the rolls. Serve warm for the best taste.
Notes
- Yeast: Use active dry yeast for best results.
- Liquid Temperature: Ensure water and milk are lukewarm (not hot) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Extra Flour: Adjust as needed to prevent sticking without making the dough tough.
- Pan Size: Use a 9 x 13-inch pan for 12 rolls. For smaller rolls, adjust pan size accordingly.
Enjoy these soft, gooey cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven!