There is something simply irresistible about waking up to warm, gooey rolls filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious glaze. This Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet and spice with a decadent frosting that has a hint of maple to elevate every bite. From the soft, tender dough to the creamy frosting, these cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend brunch or a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance for your cinnamon rolls. From the rich creaminess of salted butter to the warm sweetness of brown sugar and aromatic cinnamon, every element comes together beautifully.
- 2 cups whole milk (2% milk also works): Provides the perfect liquid base for tender dough.
- ½ cup salted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough and filling.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough subtly without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- ¾ tablespoon instant yeast: Helps the dough rise light and fluffy.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Contributes to structure and moistness in the dough.
- 6 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for soft yet sturdy dough.
- ½ cup salted butter (softened): Used generously in the filling for gooey cinnamon swirls.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings warmth and caramel-like sweetness to the filling and frosting.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The classic spice that defines these rolls.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Essential for creamy, tangy frosting texture.
- ½ cup salted butter (softened): Adds silkiness to the frosting.
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar: Adds depth of sweetness to the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the frosting flavors.
- 1 teaspoon high-quality maple extract: The secret star that elevates our frosting beautifully.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- Milk (as needed): Used to adjust the frosting to a luscious, spreadable consistency.
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by gently heating the milk until it is scalded, just shy of boiling, where you see tiny bubbles at the edges. This step is crucial—it helps dissolve the butter and sugar evenly while ensuring the perfect temperature for the yeast to activate. Pour the warm milk into your mixer bowl, add butter, sugar, and salt, and mix until combined. Don’t rush cooling the mixture to about 105 degrees Fahrenheit; this is the ideal temperature for yeast health. Add yeast and beaten eggs, then gradually add flour while mixing until the dough pulls clean from the bowl sides. A soft and slightly sticky dough is what you want. Knead briefly, then let it rise in a greased bowl until doubled in size.
Step 2: Roll and Fill Your Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Now comes the fun part—spreading softened butter evenly across the dough, then generously sprinkling the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture across the top. These layers of butter and sugar will create sticky, melt-in-your-mouth swirls as the rolls bake.
Step 3: Shape and Slice the Rolls
Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a neat log, pinching the seam to seal it. Then slice into 12 equal pieces. Placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet helps prevent sticking, and arranging them comfortably spaced allows that second rise to work magic, puffing them up perfectly.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F as the rolls rise for the second time. Bake for about 20 to 22 minutes until the tops are golden and inviting. Letting them cool for at least 30 minutes before frosting helps avoid melting your frosting into a sugary puddle, so patience here will reward you with the perfect finish.
Step 5: Whip Up the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Combine your softened cream cheese, butter, brown sugar, vanilla, maple extract, and powdered sugar in a bowl. Beat until smooth, adding milk gradually to reach a spreadable texture that’s creamy and sweet with that special maple twist. Spread generously over the cooled rolls, and get ready for pure bliss.
How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
While these cinnamon rolls are already a showstopper, adding chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon powder can add both texture and an extra layer of flavor. A drizzle of pure maple syrup on top of the frosting can amplify the maple notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing these rolls with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples balances their richness perfectly. A cup of strong coffee, chai tea, or a rich hot chocolate will also complement the sweet-spicy-smooth flavor profile wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these for a brunch or special occasion, arranging the rolls on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra frosting, nuts, and fruit can elevate the experience. For a cozy gathering, wrap individual rolls in parchment and tie with twine for charming take-home treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, store your cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is best to prevent spoilage, but be sure to bring the rolls to room temperature or warm gently before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the rolls either before baking (after the initial rise and shaping) or after baking and cooling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming and frosting.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes covered with foil to maintain moisture. This will revive their fresh-baked softness, and you can then add the frosting or any additional toppings before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk for the dough?
Absolutely! While whole milk creates the softest, most tender dough, 2% milk works well too. If you prefer, dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk can be used, but they might slightly alter the texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make these cinnamon rolls without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. It requires a bit more elbow grease, but the dough should still come together. Just mix well until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky, then knead on a floured surface until soft and elastic.
Can I skip the maple extract in the frosting?
You can, but the maple extract gives this frosting its signature warm and rich note. If you don’t have it, vanilla extract alone will still make a delicious cream cheese frosting, just without that unique maple hint.
What if my dough is too sticky after adding flour?
Don’t worry! Slight stickiness is normal and helps keep the rolls tender. If it’s excessively sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time while kneading, but avoid overdoing it to keep the rolls soft.
How long can I let the rolls rise before baking?
For best results, let the rolls rise until doubled in size, usually about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your room temperature. A slower, cooler rise overnight in the fridge can deepen flavor and texture if you’d like to prepare in advance.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this beloved Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in your culinary arsenal, you’re set to create sweet mornings filled with warmth and cozy comfort. Baking these rolls from scratch fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and fills your heart with joy. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a cherished go-to for any occasion. Happy baking!
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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with a sweet cinnamon and brown sugar filling, topped with a rich and creamy maple cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat, these rolls are made from scratch using a classic yeast dough, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a luscious, flavorful glaze that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and maple essence.
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 to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Scald the Milk: Heat the milk in a saucepan until small bubbles appear around the edges and it begins to steam, just below boiling point.
- Prepare Dough Mixture: Pour the scalded milk into a stand mixer bowl. Add the butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Using a dough hook, mix until everything is combined. Allow this mixture to cool to about 105°F to ensure the yeast will activate without being killed by excess heat.
- Add Yeast and Eggs: Stir in the instant yeast and beaten eggs. Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides but remains slightly sticky. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it doubles in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours depending on room temperature.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. On a floured surface, roll the dough out into an 18×12-inch rectangle.
- Prepare Filling and Roll Up: Spread softened butter evenly over the dough rectangle. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough. Starting on the longer side of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut Rolls: Slice the log into 12 equal portions using a sharp knife.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 3 by 4 arrangement. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise until doubled in size, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 22 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove carefully from the oven.
- Cool Rolls: Allow the baked rolls to cool for at least 30 minutes before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting completely.
- Make Frosting: In a large bowl or the stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, maple extract, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add milk a little at a time if the frosting needs thinning.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the maple cream cheese frosting over the cooled cinnamon rolls generously. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the milk mixture is warm but not hot before adding yeast to prevent killing the yeast.
- You can substitute 2% milk with whole milk or non-dairy milk, but texture may vary.
- For a deeper maple flavor, use pure maple syrup instead of extract, but reduce sugar slightly.
- Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat rolls gently in the microwave or oven before serving to refresh softness.
