Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any breakfast table. These rolls have a soft, fluffy texture, filled with a sweet cinnamon and brown sugar mixture. The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious, creamy finish that perfectly complements the warmth of the rolls. Making these cinnamon rolls from scratch is a rewarding experience, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible.
How to Make Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (whole)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sugar (granulated)
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 standard sized packet)
- 3 cups all purpose flour (+ extra for kneading)
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons butter (salted, melted)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons butter (salted)
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1½ cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons butter (reserved to brush on hot rolls before adding frosting)
- 4 tablespoons butter
Directions:
- Prepare The Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Prepare your baking dish by coating the inside with melted butter or cooking spray.
- Mixing Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast on top and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add Flour and Salt: Stir in the 3 cups of all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Form The Rolls: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Brush the rolled-out dough with the melted butter. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the dough.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
- Make The Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Add the Butter: Once the rolls are done baking, brush the top with reserved melted butter. Let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serve these delicious cinnamon rolls warm from the oven, topped generously with cream cheese frosting. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. You can enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
How to Store Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
To store leftover cinnamon rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, where they will last for up to a week. You can also freeze the unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months. Just thaw and bake them whenever you’re craving a warm treat!
Tips to Make Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Make sure your milk is warm but not hot when adding the yeast.
- Don’t skip the resting time for the dough; it helps develop a better texture.
- Use fresh yeast for the best rising results.
- Experiment with adding nuts or raisins for extra flavor.
Variation
You can try different fillings for these cinnamon rolls, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit. You can also top them with other types of frosting or glaze, like vanilla glaze or maple icing.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
2. Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Just place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking.
3. How can I prevent the rolls from getting too dry?
Make sure not to overbake the rolls and brush them with melted butter right after baking to keep them moist.
Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup milk (whole) Warm but not hot
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sugar (granulated)
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 standard sized packet) Use fresh yeast for best results
- 3 cups all purpose flour (+ extra for kneading) For kneading surface
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 4 tablespoons butter (salted, melted) For brushing dough
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1½ cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons butter (reserved to brush on hot rolls before adding frosting)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare your baking dish by coating it with melted butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Stir in 3 cups of flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll the risen dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Brush with melted butter.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, and sprinkle evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log and cut it into 1-inch thick slices. Place these in the prepared baking dish.
- Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Prepare the cream cheese frosting while baking.
Make the Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Once the rolls are baked, brush the tops with reserved melted butter and let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top.
