Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our privacy policy.

These cinnamon rolls with cream cheese glaze are just that…classic and delicious. What I love most about these is they’re not too soft. They have a crisp top but the inside is perfectly fluffy. And with my easy recipe, you’ll have your own in no time. 

There’s nothing quite like pulling cinnamon rolls out of the oven. First off, the smell is amazing and second they truly make you smile – those swirled up puffs of goodness truly bring joy to my life!

Part of why cinnamon rolls are so delicious is because they use yeast. That’s what makes them soft, fluffy, and just a little chewy. It also gives them that rich, buttery flavor that makes them so irresistible.

You might think baking with yeast can seem a bit challenging. It can be, but this cinnamon roll recipe is actually pretty easy. I use quick activating yeast and pretty much just dump all the ingredients into a mixer. I don’t do well with complicated recipes which is why I strive to make things as simple and delicious as possible. 

My husband loves anything cinnamon, and he definitely has a sweet tooth. He calls for anything warm and comforting, like my apple crisp or my pecan pie. So when these cinnamon rolls with cream cheese glaze were finally ready, he was in heaven! 

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• All-purpose Flour – I keep it simple with good ol’ AP. 
• Quick-Activating Yeast – So quick and easy to use. You can also use active dry yeast but allow extra time for activation.
• Whole Milk – This is used to add moisture to the dough. I think whole milk is best. 
• Sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
• Butter – Adds that richness we expect in cinnamon rolls with cream cheese glaze. Choose unsalted, high-quality butter.
• Egg – This is what gives the dough its structure. 
• Vanilla Extract – Always a good idea for any baking recipe with eggs. It adds a nice flavor and subtle sweetness. 
• Salt – Brings out all the other flavors of these homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting. 
• Ground Cinnamon – You can’t have cinnamon rolls without cinnamon! This is what gives them that signature warmth. 
• Cream Cheese – Makes for a tangy, creamy frosting. Choose full-fat cream cheese for richness. You can substitute with mascarpone for a milder taste. 
• Powdered Sugar – For thickening the frosting.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Glaze

Preparing the Dough

First, you should preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a large baking dish.

In a stand mixer with a kneading attachment, mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Give it a quick stir to mix it all together. 

In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla. Turn the mixer to medium speed and slowly pour in the milk mixture along with the melted butter. Let it knead for about 3 minutes until a sticky ball forms.

If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s smooth but still slightly tacky.

Now cover the bowl with a clean towel. After about an hour, the dough will puff up and look smooth.

Rolling and Filling

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Get it nice and smooth by kneeding it a few times on a lightly floured surface. 

Now roll it into a 15×9-inch rectangle, then spread softened butter evenly on top. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this all over the buttered dough.

Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the seam to seal. Slice into 12 to 15 even pieces using a sharp knife.

Second Rise and Baking

Place the cinnamon roll slices in the buttered baking dish, spacing them evenly to allow room to expand. Cover with a towel and let them rise for 45 minutes until puffy.

Once risen, bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until golden brown on top.

Making the Frosting and Finishing

You can make the cinnamon roll frosting while the rolls are baking. 

You just need to beat the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add hot water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until you get the right thickness.

After you let them cool a bit, smother with the cream cheese frosting.

Voila! Your cinnamon rolls with cream cheese glaze are ready to devour!

Recommended Tools

• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook – Makes mixing and kneading the dough super easy. It really does the hard work of this cinnamon rolls with cream cheese glaze recipe for you! Go for a strong, sturdy mixer that can handle thick dough.

Storing and Reheating

If you’ve got any homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting leftover, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

If you want to store them longer, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze them without the cream cheese frosting and add it fresh after reheating.

To reheat, microwave one roll for 15-20 seconds until warm and soft. If heating several, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. A little extra frosting on top makes them taste fresh again!

Continue to Content

Yield: 12-15

Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Print

These cinnamon rolls with cream cheese glaze are just that...classic and delicious. What I love most about these is they're not too soft. They have a crisp top but the inside is perfectly fluffy and soft.

Prep Time 2 hours

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

Dough

Toggle ingredient group

• ¼ ounce package quick activating yeast
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, room temp
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups all purpose flour

Filling

Toggle ingredient group

• ½ cup softened butter
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 3 tablespoons butter, room temp
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese, room temp
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 to 6 tablespoons hot water

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees and butter a large baking dish.
2. In your mixer fitted with a kneading attachment, add flour, yeast, sugar and salt and mix. In a separate bowl, mix together egg, whole milk, and vanilla.
3. Turn mixer on and pour milk mixture and melted butter into the bowl and start kneading on medium speed. Let knead for about 3 minutes until a sticky ball forms. Stop and scraped sides if necessary to help form the dough. If the dough seems too sticky, sprinkle a tablespoon of flour at a time in until it forms a nice smooth but not dry ball. Cover with a towel and let rise for an hour.
4. After an hour, punch down dough and place on a floured surface. Knead a few time then roll out on a floured surface into a 15 by 9-inch rectangle.
5. Spread butter all over dough. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over buttered dough. Beginning at the 15-inch side, role up dough and pinch edge together to seal. Cut into 12 to 15 slices.
6. Place cinnamon roll slices in the pan and let rise again for about 45 minutes then bake for 30 minutes or until nicely browned.
7. Meanwhile, mix butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a mixer or with a whisk. Add hot water 1 tablespoon at a time until the glaze reaches desired consistency. Spread over slightly cooled rolls.
   
   

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram