There is something truly magical about waking up to a batch of warm, gooey Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe fresh out of the oven. These soft, tender rolls filled with cinnamon-spiced sweetness and topped with a luscious maple-infused cream cheese frosting make for a perfect breakfast or cozy treat any time of the day. The balance of buttery dough, caramelized sugar, fragrant cinnamon, and that rich, creamy frosting creates a harmony of flavors and textures that simply can’t be beat. Once you try these rolls, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the first step to creating these irresistibly delicious rolls. Each component plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect dough, luscious filling, and that unforgettable maple cream cheese frosting that sets this recipe apart.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Scalded to develop tender dough and activate the yeast gently.
- Salted butter (½ cup + ½ cup softened + ½ cup softened for frosting): Adds richness to the dough, creates a soft texture, and forms the base for the filling and frosting.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the dough subtly without overpowering the cinnamon’s warmth.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- Instant yeast (¾ Tablespoon): The rising agent that makes your rolls fluffy and light.
- Eggs (2 large, beaten): Contribute to tenderness and help bind the dough.
- All-purpose flour (6 cups): The foundation of your dough, providing structure and chew.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup + 2 Tablespoons for frosting): Offers deep caramel notes for the filling and a touch of sweetness in the frosting.
- Ground cinnamon (1 Tablespoon): The star spice that gives these rolls their signature flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates the creamy, tangy base that perfectly complements the maple frosting.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth to the frosting.
- High-quality maple extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the frosting with rich, authentic maple flavor.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a silky finish.
- Milk (as needed): Adjusts frosting consistency so it’s spreadable and smooth.
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by gently heating the milk until it’s scalded, just before boiling. This step brings out the milk’s natural sweetness and helps create an ultra-soft dough. Pour the warm milk into your stand mixer bowl, then add the butter, sugar, and salt. Mix using the dough hook until fully combined and the mixture cools to around 105 degrees Fahrenheit—warm to the touch, but not hot enough to kill your yeast.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast and Incorporate Eggs
Sprinkle in the instant yeast and beaten eggs, mixing until everything is fully integrated. Slowly add flour, continuing to mix until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but still feels soft and slightly sticky. This balance gives your rolls that tender crumb we all dream of.
Step 3: Knead and First Rise
Knead the dough gently for 5 minutes to develop gluten, then transfer it to a large greased bowl. Cover it and let it rise until doubled in size, which typically takes about an hour. Watching your dough grow is one of the most satisfying parts of this process!
Step 4: Roll Out and Add Filling
Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it out into an 18×12-inch rectangle. Now spread the softened butter evenly over the dough’s surface before generously sprinkling the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top. The layers you’re building here will caramelize beautifully as the rolls bake.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Starting with the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal pieces and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced evenly in a 3×4 layout. Cover with a towel and allow the rolls to rise again until doubled; patience here means ultra-fluffy rolls.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while the rolls rise. Once they’re puffed and soft, bake them for 20-22 minutes or until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let them cool for at least 30 minutes before frosting, so the cream cheese frosting doesn’t melt away.
Step 7: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Combine the softened cream cheese, butter, brown sugar, vanilla, maple extract, and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy, adding milk a little at a time to achieve your preferred spreadable consistency. Slather the frosting generously over the cooled rolls.
How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
While these rolls are perfection as-is, adding a sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top brings a lovely crunch and visual appeal. Fresh orange zest can also brighten up the sweetness with a subtle citrus twist.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon rolls with freshly brewed coffee, rich hot chocolate, or a robust chai tea for a cozy brunch or breakfast spread. A side of fresh fruit or yogurt can balance the richness of the rolls and keep the meal feeling fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your cinnamon rolls in a bread pudding style casserole by slicing and layering them with extra cinnamon sugar and apples before baking. Alternatively, plate individual rolls on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The frosting will remain deliciously creamy, and the rolls will stay soft if you cover them tightly to avoid drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping but before the second rise by wrapping them tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, allow to come to room temperature and rise fully before baking. Baked rolls can also be frozen—just wrap individually to preserve freshness.
Reheating
Warm refrigerated rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until just heated through. For a freshly baked taste, pop them in a 325-degree Fahrenheit oven covered with foil for 10 minutes. Be sure to add a dab of frosting after if you’re reheating plain rolls.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of whole milk?
Absolutely! While whole milk gives the dough a slightly richer texture, 2% or even skim milk can work in a pinch without compromising the rise or flavor too much.
What if I don’t have maple extract for the frosting?
If you don’t have maple extract, you can substitute with pure maple syrup (about 1-2 tablespoons) for a more natural maple flavor, though it may slightly thin the frosting, so adjust powdered sugar accordingly.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
With some ingredient swaps—such as plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and egg replacers—you can adapt the dough and frosting, but results may differ slightly in texture and flavor.
Why is it important to let the rolls cool before frosting?
Allowing the rolls to cool prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting into a runny glaze, helping it maintain a thick, creamy consistency that’s perfect for spreading.
How long does it take for the dough to rise?
Typically, the first rise takes about an hour, depending on your room temperature. The second rise after shaping usually takes 30 to 45 minutes until the rolls double in size.
Final Thoughts
Making these Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a love-filled project that rewards you with the most comforting, scrumptious treat imaginable. Whether you’re treating your family or impressing guests, they never fail to evoke smiles and cozy memories. So roll up your sleeves, get that kitchen smelling heavenly, and dive into baking magic—you won’t regret it!
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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 22 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 22 mins
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with a warm cinnamon-sugar filling. Topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting, they make the perfect indulgent breakfast or dessert treat. The recipe involves a simple yeast dough, a rich cinnamon filling, and a sweet, tangy frosting enhanced with high-quality maple extract for extra depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups whole milk (2% milk also works)
- ½ cup salted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ Tablespoon instant yeast
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- ½ cup salted butter (softened)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup salted butter (softened)
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon high-quality maple extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- Milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Heat Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk until scalded—just before boiling, with small bubbles around the edges and steam rising.
- Mix Dough Base: Pour the scalded milk into the bowl of an electric stand mixer. Add the butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Using the dough hook, mix until combined. Let cool until the mixture is warm (around 105°F) to avoid killing the yeast.
- Add Yeast and Eggs: Stir in the instant yeast and beaten eggs. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough begins to pull away from the bowl sides. The dough should be soft but slightly sticky. Knead the dough for 5 minutes.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size.
- Prepare Dough for Filling: Punch down the risen dough and place it on a floured surface. Roll it out into an 18×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the softened butter over the rolled dough. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this evenly on top of the butter layer.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log into 12 equal portions.
- Second Rise: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place the rolls on it in a 3×4 arrangement. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow the rolls to rise again until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: While the rolls rise, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake the risen cinnamon rolls for 20 to 22 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Cool Down: Carefully remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for at least 30 minutes before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine cream cheese, softened butter, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, maple extract, and powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth, adding milk as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the maple cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cinnamon rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Scalding the milk helps to improve the dough texture and flavor but be sure to let it cool to 105°F before adding yeast to avoid killing it.
- Kneading dough for 5 minutes by mixer is sufficient for gluten development to achieve a soft texture.
- Rolling the dough tightly ensures the cinnamon filling stays inside and produces nice spiral rolls.
- Allowing the rolls to rise twice ensures they are light, fluffy, and perfectly risen.
- Letting the rolls cool before frosting prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting too much.
- Adjust the consistency of the frosting with milk if it’s too thick for spreading.
- Use high-quality maple extract for the best flavor in the frosting.
- These cinnamon rolls can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
