If you have ever dreamed of waking up to a homemade treat that fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked dough, then this Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. These rolls are soft and pillowy, with just the right touch of cinnamon spice rolled inside, and topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting that takes them to a whole new level of indulgence. Whether you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself on a weekend morning, this recipe is a delightful crowd-pleaser that will soon become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the best dishes come from simple, well-chosen ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. This recipe combines classic pantry staples with a few special touches to create irresistible texture and flavor.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Provides moisture and tenderness to the dough for soft rolls.
- Salted butter (1 cup total): Adds richness to the dough and filling, and helps achieve a golden crust.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the dough and balances the spices.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Instant yeast (¾ tablespoon): Gives the rolls their perfect rise, light and airy texture.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Bind the dough and add richness.
- All-purpose flour (6 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup): Adds a deep, molasses-y sweetness to the filling and frosting.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice that fills each bite with warm, comforting flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates the smooth, tangy base for the frosting.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the frosting with a sweet floral note.
- Maple extract (1 teaspoon): Gives the frosting its unique and heavenly maple flavor.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Milk (as needed): Adjusts frosting consistency for spreading perfection.
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by gently scalding the milk in a saucepan until it’s steaming with small bubbles around the edges—just before boiling. This step helps create a tender crumb. Next, pour the warm milk into your mixer bowl and add the butter, sugar, and salt. Mix these together and let the mixture cool to about 105 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the yeast happy and alive.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough
Once the milk mixture is warm enough, add your instant yeast and beaten eggs. Gradually incorporate the flour until your dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl softly but still feels slightly sticky. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes for a smooth texture. Then transfer it to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size—this can take about an hour.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into an 18 by 12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly all over. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this heavenly mixture across the butter. This filling is what makes these rolls irresistibly sweet and aromatic.
Step 4: Shape and Cut the Rolls
Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal it. Cut the roll into 12 equal parts. You’ll want to line a baking sheet with parchment and arrange the rolls evenly, then cover them with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise again until doubled—about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your room temperature.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
While the rolls finish their second rise, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for 20 to 22 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on top. Once baked, allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes before adding the frosting—this helps prevent your frosting from melting into a sugary puddle.
Step 6: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
To create the frosting, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, maple extract, and powdered sugar in a bowl or mixer. Beat everything until it becomes smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach the perfect spreadable consistency. Slather this luscious frosting generously over your cooled rolls.
How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
While these rolls are fantastic on their own, adding a few garnishes can elevate your presentation and add texture. Consider a light dusting of cinnamon powder or a sprinkle of crushed toasted pecans on top for a subtle crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft rolls and creamy frosting.
Side Dishes
Pairing your cinnamon rolls with complementary sides can turn breakfast or brunch into a full celebration. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples adds a pop of freshness and balance, while a side of crispy bacon introduces a savory contrast that makes every bite more interesting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try arranging your rolls in a circle on a beautiful platter and drizzle a little extra maple syrup before serving. You can also present them individually wrapped with a festive ribbon as charming gifts, or serve them warm alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to complete the cozy experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any rolls left after devouring a few (which is rare!), store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh for enjoying the next morning.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully before and after baking. To freeze before baking, arrange the cut rolls on a tray, flash freeze them, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze the baked and frosted rolls in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, warm rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in an oven preheated to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This restores that fresh-baked softness and gently melts the frosting for that just-made feeling.
FAQs
Can I use 2% milk instead of whole milk in the Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! While whole milk adds extra richness, 2% milk works just fine and will still produce tender, fluffy rolls.
Is it possible to make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit more effort to get that smooth texture, but homemade cinnamon rolls are worth the extra work!
Can I substitute the maple extract with real maple syrup in the frosting?
While real maple syrup adds lovely flavor, it can make the frosting too runny. Using maple extract gives you that distinct taste without compromising the frosting’s consistency.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
Your dough is ready when it has doubled in size and looks puffy. Gently pressing your finger into the dough should leave an indentation that lasts for a few seconds.
Can I make the dough or rolls the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it after the first rise overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and continue with the recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home, and this Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and pure comfort. It’s a recipe to savor, to share, and to return to again and again, each batch better than the last. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to make mornings deliciously unforgettable!
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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and loaded with a classic cinnamon and brown sugar filling. Topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting, they are the perfect sweet treat for breakfast or dessert. The dough is enriched with whole milk, butter, and eggs, then risen twice to ensure a tender texture. Baking at 350°F develops a golden crust while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
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 thin frosting)
Instructions
- Heat Milk: Warm the milk in a saucepan just until scalded—small bubbles form around the edges and the milk steams, but it does not boil.
- Mix Dough Base: Pour the scalded milk into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until combined and the mixture cools to about 105°F to avoid killing yeast.
- Add Yeast and Eggs: Add instant yeast and beaten eggs to the mixture and blend until incorporated.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add all-purpose flour while mixing until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides, soft but slightly sticky. Knead for 5 minutes with the dough hook.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl, cover, and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Roll Out Dough: Punch down the dough and place it on a floured surface. Roll out into an 18×12-inch rectangle.
- Prepare Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough rectangle. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the butter.
- Shape Rolls: Starting at the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinch the seam to seal, and cut into 12 equal portions.
- Second Rise: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange rolls 3 across and 4 down. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rolls rise again until doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: While rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 20 to 22 minutes until the tops turn golden brown. Remove carefully and let them cool for at least 30 minutes before frosting.
- Make Frosting: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat cream cheese, softened butter, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, maple extract, and powdered sugar together. Add milk as needed to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the maple cream cheese frosting over the cooled cinnamon rolls. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Be sure the milk mixture cools to about 105°F before adding yeast to avoid killing it.
- Softened butter for the filling makes spreading easier and ensures even cinnamon sugar coverage.
- Allow rolls to cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting off.
- You can substitute 2% milk if whole milk is not available.
- Store leftover cinnamon rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
