If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, irresistible treat that melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon, you are in for a real delight with this Gooey and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe. These cinnamon rolls boast the perfect balance of tender, soft dough swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that adds just the right tang. Whether you’re baking for a special weekend breakfast or a comforting dessert, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite indulgence to share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a starring role in creating those wonderfully soft and flavorful cinnamon rolls. From warm milk that activates the yeast to rich cream cheese that turns the glaze into a velvety dream, every component is essential for getting the texture and taste just right.
- 1 cup warm milk (110-120F): Activates the yeast and helps create the tender dough.
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the dough to balance the flavors.
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: The magical ingredient that makes the dough rise beautifully.
- 4⅔ cups all-purpose flour: The main structure for the dough with the perfect gluten development.
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar: Adds subtle molasses notes and aids in moistness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds the dough and enriches flavor.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds a gentle sweetness and aroma.
- 1½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the dough’s flavor.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Gives a hint of spice within the dough itself.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (for the filling): Ensures the cinnamon sugar layer is soft and spreadable.
- ½ cup light brown sugar (for the filling): The sweet base for that classic cinnamon flavor swirl.
- 1½ tablespoons cinnamon (for the filling): The soul of the roll’s irresistible filling.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (for the glaze): Creates a tangy, creamy icing that perfectly counters the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature (for the glaze): Adds silkiness to the icing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the glaze): Provides depth and warmth to the frosting.
- Pinch of salt (for the glaze): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor of the icing.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for the glaze): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (for the glaze): Adjusts the consistency to your perfect drizzle or spread.
How to Make Gooey and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by stirring the warm milk with the granulated sugar and active dry yeast in a large bowl or your stand mixer bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This step is key—it signals that the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise into fluffy perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Add the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon to the yeast mixture. Begin mixing on a low speed until the dough just comes together. Crank up the speed to medium-low and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is soft, springy, and slightly tacky, but not sticky. This thorough kneading creates those glorious layers of fluffiness you’re after.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Place it in a warm area to rise until it doubles in size, which usually takes about 1½ to 2 hours. This patient rise is what builds that light, airy texture that sets these cinnamon rolls apart.
Step 4: Roll and Add Filling
Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a roughly 12 by 24-inch rectangle. Spread the soft butter evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch border along one long edge. Mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together and sprinkle it generously over the butter, making sure every bite will have that sweet, spicy magic.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Beginning at the long edge opposite the unbuttered border, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log carefully into 12 equal rolls, about 2 inches wide. Place them cut side down into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring they’re spaced to allow for a final rise.
Step 6: Second Rise and Bake
Cover the pan loosely and let the rolls rise in a warm spot until nearly doubled in size—about one hour. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F. When the rolls have puffed up gorgeously, bake them for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a light golden brown on top. Once baked, move them to a wire rack to cool slightly before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls are baking, whip together the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Sift in the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until fully combined. Add milk a tablespoon at a time until your icing reaches your desired spreading consistency, from thick spreadable to drizzled glaze. This creamy topping is what truly elevates the Gooey and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe to legendary status.
Step 8: Glaze the Rolls
Spread about one-third of the cream cheese glaze over the cinnamon rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. Let them cool for five minutes, then lavish the remaining glaze on top. The residual heat will melt the frosting just enough to create that dreamy gooey finish everyone raves about.
How to Serve Gooey and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Garnishes
You can keep it elegantly simple by serving your cinnamon rolls just as they are, but a light dusting of cinnamon or a scattering of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts adds a lovely textural contrast and nutty depth. Fresh berries can also add a bright, fresh kick that complements the sweet warmth.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with classic breakfast staples. Think freshly brewed coffee or a steaming cup of chai tea. For a fuller meal, serve alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or creamy yogurt. They also make a decadent dessert after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, arrange your Gooey and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe on a rustic wooden platter, drizzle extra glaze in artistic swirls, and garnish with edible flowers or mint leaves for a stunning presentation. Alternatively, separate rolls onto individual plates with a side of whipped cream or fresh fruit compote to personalize each serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, which keeps them soft and delicious. If you need to extend their lifespan, refrigeration is a good option for up to a week, but be sure to bring them to room temperature or warm them before enjoying.
Freezing
You can easily freeze these cinnamon rolls either before or after baking. For unbaked rolls, freeze them after the second rise, tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn, for up to three months. For baked rolls, wrap them well and store in a freezer-safe container. Defrost at room temperature for a few hours before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your cinnamon rolls back to life, warm individual rolls in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or use an air fryer at 325°F for 3 to 5 minutes. For a whole pan, loosely cover with foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Keep in mind the icing will melt slightly during reheating, adding to that signature gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I Freeze The Cinnamon Rolls Before Baking?
Absolutely! After shaping and cutting the rolls, place them in your baking dish, loosely cover, allow them to rise until nearly doubled, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and let them reach room temperature before baking as usual.
Why Are My Cinnamon Rolls Not Fluffy?
Not getting fluffy rolls usually boils down to either adding too much flour during kneading or not letting the dough rise long enough. Adding flour gradually and allowing the dough to double in size both times ensures light, airy rolls that melt in your mouth.
What Do I Serve With This?
Cinnamon rolls are a perfect companion to hot beverages like coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate. For a hearty breakfast or brunch, pair them with fresh fruit, yogurt, or eggs. Their sweet richness even works well as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream!
Can I Make This Recipe With Gluten-Free Flour?
You can experiment with gluten-free flours substituting 1:1 by weight for all-purpose flour, but the texture will differ. You may need to add extra liquid—about 2 to 3 tablespoons per cup—to compensate. Keep in mind this recipe has not been thoroughly tested with gluten-free blends.
How Long Should I Let My Dough Rise?
The dough should rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size the first time, typically between 1½ to 2 hours. After shaping the rolls, let them rise again until nearly doubled, about an hour. Good rise times are critical to achieving the fluffy texture we all love.
Final Thoughts
This Gooey and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is honestly one of those shining moments where simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. From the first bite, you’ll taste the tender, melt-in-your-mouth dough paired with that signature cinnamon sweetness and creamy frosting that’s pure magic. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your go-to recipe for celebrations, cozy mornings, or whenever you need a little extra comfort in your day.
PrintGooey and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
This easy homemade cinnamon roll recipe yields perfectly soft, tender, and gooey rolls swirled with sweet cinnamon and brown sugar. The fluffy dough is enriched with butter, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon, then baked to golden perfection in a 9×13-inch pan. Finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these cinnamon rolls are an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110-120°F) (240 mL)
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar (63 g)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (7 g / 0.25 oz packet)
- 4⅔ cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting (560 g)
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar (73 g)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (113 g)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Filling:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (85 g)
- ½ cup light brown sugar (110 g)
- 1½ tablespoons cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (113 g)
- 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar (240 g)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl fitted with the dough hook, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add 4⅔ cups flour, light brown sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until ingredients come together, then increase to medium-low and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is tacky, springy, and does not stick to your fingers.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled large bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot (around 75°F) for 1½ to 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or baking spray.
- Roll Out the Dough: Turn the risen dough onto a well-floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll it out to a roughly 12×24-inch rectangle.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one long edge. In a small bowl, mix light brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Form the Rolls: Starting at the long edge opposite the unbuttered border, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces (about 2 inches wide) with a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls cut side down, evenly spaced in the prepared pan. Loosely cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Uncover the rolls and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Make the Glaze: While rolls bake, beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to reach desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze the Rolls: Spread one third of the glaze over the hot rolls immediately after baking. Let cool for 5 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze on top.
Notes
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Frost the rolls in two steps to ensure the glaze soaks into the rolls and also stays luscious on top.
- Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, microwave an individual roll for 10-15 seconds or warm in an air fryer at 325°F for 3-5 minutes. For the whole pan, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.
- You can freeze the shaped rolls before baking by letting them rise once, then freezing tightly wrapped. Thaw overnight in the fridge before the final rise and baking.
- For gluten-free adaptation, substitute flour weight 1:1 with gluten-free baking flour and add an extra 2-3 tablespoons liquid per cup of flour, increasing milk as needed.
- Proper dough rising and avoiding excess flour will yield fluffier rolls.
