Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 155 min
Yield: 12 rolls
Cuisine: American-inspired
Ingredients: 500 g bread flour; 7 g instant yeast; 200 ml warm milk; 80 g granulated sugar; 80 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 whole large egg; 1/2 tsp fine salt; 100 g unsalted butter, softened, for filling; 150 g brown sugar; 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 200 g cream cheese, softened; 50 g unsalted butter, softened, for frosting; 100 g icing sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Soft cinnamon yeast rolls with brown sugar filling and cream cheese frosting.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 2 hr 35 minMakes 12 rolls

Jump to Recipe

These soft cinnamon rolls use an enriched yeast dough, a brown sugar and cinnamon filling, and a tangy cream cheese frosting. Let the dough rise until doubled rather than relying on the clock alone. Roll it evenly, slice with a sharp knife or unflavoured thread, and leave space for the buns to expand during the second rise. Spread the frosting over warm, not piping-hot, rolls. Combine flour, yeast, milk, sugar, melted butter, egg and salt. Knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place 60 to 90 minutes until doubled. Roll dough into a 35-by-45-cm rectangle. Spread with softened filling butter. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly. Roll up from the long edge.

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

How to tell when it is ready

Beat cream cheese, frosting butter, icing sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.

Tips

Combine flour, yeast, milk, sugar, melted butter, egg and salt.
Cover and let rise in a warm place 60 to 90 minutes until doubled.
Roll dough into a 35-by-45-cm rectangle.
Cut into 12 rolls.

Troubleshooting

If dough is sticky, knead in flour a tablespoon at a time.
If rolls are dry, shorten the bake and check the centre earlier.

Substitutions

Use plant milk and dairy-free butter.
Use dairy-free cream cheese for frosting.

Variations

Add chopped pecans to the filling.
Fold raisins into the cinnamon layer.

Serving suggestions

Serve warm with coffee.
Add fresh berries.
Offer extra frosting.
Pair with unsweetened tea.

Make ahead

Prepare components ahead and store safely. Refrigerate frosted rolls covered for up to 4 days. Warm gently before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate frosted rolls covered for up to 4 days. Warm gently before serving.

Food safety

Cream cheese frosting is perishable; refrigerate frosted rolls within 2 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare cinnamon rolls the night before?

Shape them in the pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise at room temperature until puffy before baking.

How should I store cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting?

Refrigerate frosted rolls covered for up to 4 days. Warm gently before serving.

Serve warm with coffee. Refrigerate frosted rolls covered for up to 4 days. Warm gently before serving.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting