I’ve Got a Weakness for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Rolls!
Let me tell you, nothing says “comfort food” quite like a fresh batch of **Cinnamon Cream Cheese Rolls**. I remember the first time I made these for a family brunch—my aunt could hardly finish recounting the last time she’d tasted anything so good! The warm, gooey cinnamon filling paired with the dreamy cream cheese glaze? Total match made in heaven! Whenever I need a pick-me-up, I know just how to treat myself and my loved ones on a lazy weekend morning.
What makes these rolls truly special is not just the euphoric aroma that envelops the house while they bake, but the fact that they’re surprisingly simple to make. You don’t need to be a baking expert; just some patience and a sprinkle of magic (a.k.a. cinnamon!) will do the trick. Get ready to roll up those sleeves and dive into goodness!
What’s in Cinnamon Cream Cheese Rolls?
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough. I usually go for King Arthur Flour for its consistent quality.
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast: This little guy brings our dough to life—don’t forget to proof it first!
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key, and it also helps with browning. I opt for organic sugar.
- 1 tsp salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors; don’t skip it!
- 1 cup whole milk (warm): Warm milk helps activate the yeast. I find that organic whole milk works best.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted): For that rich, buttery flavor. Don’t forget to let it cool a bit before adding it!
- 1 large egg: A binder for our dough, adding moisture and richness.
Is Cinnamon Cream Cheese Rolls Good for You?
I won’t lie to you—these rolls are definitely a treat! They bring joy with every bite, but let’s chat about balance. The use of whole milk and unsalted butter does contribute to the richness, and while they provide some nutrients, you’ll want to enjoy these rolls in moderation. The cream cheese glaze? Oh, let’s just say it’s an indulgence you might want to save for special occasions (or lazy weekends!). But, hey, it’s all about balance, right?
On the flip side, baking these rolls can fill your home with amazing scents and create a great family bonding experience—who wouldn’t want that? Plus, if you swap out some sugar or butter here and there, you can make them a wee bit healthier without sacrificing too much flavor. You do you!
Ingredients List:
- For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For Garnish:
- Ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Rolls?
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix well!
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
- Make the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until smooth.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Form the Rolls: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log and slice it into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla; mix until creamy.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the glaze over them. Sprinkle some ground cinnamon on top, and enjoy your masterpiece!
Rolling with Flavorful Tips!
– For a delightful twist, toss in some chopped nuts or raisins into the cinnamon filling—yum!
– Want to prep ahead? Just let the rolls rise overnight in the refrigerator then bake them fresh in the morning. Your house will smell like a bakery, and it’s a killer way to start the day!
So there you have it, my dear friends! I wholeheartedly invite you to try your hand at these **Cinnamon Cream Cheese Rolls**. The joy you’ll experience in every bite is unmatched. Please share your own stories, variations, or photos if you try this recipe—I’d love to hear about your experience! Happy baking!
