Name: The Best Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; ½ cup packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Hey y'all! If you're searching for a truly irresistible treat, look no further than The Best Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese. These rolls are ultra-soft, perfectly gooey, and slathered with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that's downright dreamy. Whether for a special brunch, a cozy weekend breakfast, or just because, these homemade cinnamon rolls will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Recipe

Super soft and fluffy dough with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Generous cinnamon-sugar swirls for that classic sweet-spicy flavor.

Rich cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—great for any occasion!
Easy to customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit.

Ingredients for The Best Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese

For the Dough

1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
2 ¼ teaspoon (1 packet) active dry yeast
½ cup granulated sugar

⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ teaspoon salt

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

For the Cinnamon Filling

¾ cup brown sugar, packed
2 ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon

⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

How to Make The Best Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes, until bubbly.
Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix well.
Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5 minutes) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.

Step 2: Assemble the Rolls

On a floured surface, roll dough into a 16x12-inch rectangle.

Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal.

Cut into 12 even slices and place in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.

Step 3: Second Rise & Bake

Cover the pan with a towel and let rise until puffy, about 30-40 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22-25 minutes, until golden brown.

The Best Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until smooth.
Spread frosting on warm cinnamon rolls. Serve and enjoy!

Notes for The Best Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese

For best results, use room temperature ingredients for the dough and frosting. Learn more about why it matters.

You can make the rolls ahead and refrigerate overnight before the second rise (see this overnight technique).
Switch up the filling by adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips.

Variations of The Best Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese

Maple Pecan: Add ¼ cup chopped pecans to the filling and swap half the vanilla extract for maple extract in the frosting.

Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle ½ cup mini chocolate chips with the cinnamon sugar filling.
Apple Cinnamon: Add ½ cup finely diced apples to the filling for a fruity twist.

Required Equipment for The Best Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese

Large mixing bowl

Stand mixer (optional)
Measuring cups and spoons
Rolling pin

Sharp knife or dental floss (for slicing rolls)
9x13-inch baking pan
Small saucepan (if melting butter on the stove)

Storage Instructions for The Best Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese

Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months, then thaw and frost after warming.

Serving Recommendations for The Best Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese

Pair with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte for a cozy breakfast.
Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for brunch.

Top with extra chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel for dessert.

Pro Tips for The Best Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese

Use dental floss to cut the dough into rolls for clean, even slices—see this technique here.
Let the yeast fully activate for extra fluffy rolls—look for foam and bubbles before adding other ingredients.

Frost the rolls while they're still warm so the icing melts into every swirl.

FAQ: The Best Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?: Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and let them rise in the fridge overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.
Why didn't my rolls rise?: Make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk isn't too hot; both can affect the dough's ability to rise.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?: Yes, instant yeast works just fine—no need to proof, just add it directly to the dry ingredients.

Now you’re ready to bake The Best Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese—enjoy every gooey, fluffy bite!

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The Best Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese