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The Ultimate Gooey, Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Three gooey cinnamon rolls generously topped with white icing, resting on a white plate.
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Make bakery-style cinnamon rolls at home that are incredibly soft, fluffy, and gooey. This recipe delivers the best homemade cinnamon rolls with a rich cream cheese glaze, perfect for weekend brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Warm the milk until it reaches 110°F. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the foamy yeast mixture, remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix briefly.
  3. Add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, then increase speed to medium and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. (For quicker results, use a ‘one-rise’ method by allowing 45 minutes rise time).
  5. While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined and spreadable.
  6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
  7. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge.
  8. Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed.
  9. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
  10. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish loosely and let the rolls rest for 30 minutes.
  11. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach a thick, creamy consistency.
  13. Remove the rolls from the oven. Immediately spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the hot rolls so it melts slightly into the swirls. Serve warm for the best gooey texture.

Notes

  • For extra gooey cinnamon rolls, pour 1/4 cup of heavy cream over the unbaked rolls before placing them in the oven.
  • If you need a faster result, you can use a ‘quick cinnamon rolls’ method by placing the dough in a slightly warmer spot to speed up the rise time.
  • This recipe makes bakery style cinnamon rolls that are best eaten the day they are made.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/gooey-soft-cinnamon-rolls-homemade-recipe/