Name: Fluffy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (rapid rise yeast); 2 Tbsp honey; 1/4 cup butter; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 3/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 – 4 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 6 Tbsp butter, softened; 2/3 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 Tbsp cinnamon; 1/3 cup heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 2 Tbsp butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredients

3/4 cup whole milk

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (aka rapid rise yeast)

2 Tbsp honey

1/4 cup butter

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

3/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 – 4 1/2 cups all purpose flour

6 Tbsp butter, softened (for filling)

2/3 cup brown sugar (for filling)

1/3 cup granulated sugar (for filling)

2 Tbsp cinnamon (for filling)

1/3 cup heavy cream (to drizzle before baking)

4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature, for icing)

2 Tbsp butter (softened to room temperature, for icing)

1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)

1/4 tsp salt (for icing)

1 tsp vanilla extract (for icing)

Instructions

Step 1: Warm the milk, heavy cream, butter, and honey until lukewarm, about 100 to 114 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be done over the stove or in the microwave.

Step 2: Pour the mixture into the bowl of your standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Sprinkle yeast and granulated sugar over the top and let sit for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.

Step 4: Remove the paddle and attach the dough hook. Add 4 cups of flour and mix for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and tacky but not sticky. If needed, add more flour a little at a time up to 1/2 cup total to avoid dryness.

Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a ball. Knead gently a few times by hand if desired.

Step 6: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 7: Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 20×15 inch rectangle.

Step 8: Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1/4 inch border unbuttered.

Step 9: Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon together, then sprinkle generously over the buttered dough.

Step 10: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log shape, pinching the seams to seal. Place seam side down.

Step 11: Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Trim edges if desired for uniform rolls.

Step 12: Line a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with parchment paper and place the rolls evenly spaced inside.

Step 13: Cover the rolls with a damp towel and let rise for another 20-30 minutes until doubled again.

Step 14: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 15: Drizzle about 1/3 cup heavy cream evenly over the rolls (about 1/2 Tbsp per roll) before baking.

Step 16: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the rolls are lightly golden brown. Let cool for 4-5 minutes before icing.

Step 17: For the icing, beat cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract and mix until creamy.

Step 18: Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm cinnamon rolls, serve, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon sugar filling before rolling.

Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.

Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for best results.

To make ahead, prepare the rolls and refrigerate after the second rise; bake fresh in the morning.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you will need to proof active dry yeast in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the wet ingredients.

Why are my cinnamon rolls dense instead of fluffy?

Dense rolls often result from over- or under-kneading the dough, not letting it rise enough, or adding too much flour. Be sure to knead until smooth and tacky, allow proper rising times, and add flour gradually.