Description
These Decadent Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Bliss are fluffy, soft, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor, topped with a luscious maple-infused cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this homemade recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and creamy indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, warm the whole milk until lukewarm and add a pinch of granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it stand for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix all ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten for a tender roll.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and set aside in a warm place. Let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Cinnamon Filling: While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together in a small bowl for the filling.
- Roll Out Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
- Add Filling: Brush the rolled-out dough evenly with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the surface.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Cut the log into 12 equal slices for rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown on the top.
- Prepare Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy to create the maple cream cheese frosting.
- Cool and Frost: When the rolls come out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cinnamon rolls warm for the best gooey, sweet indulgence experience.
Notes
- For extra richness, use melted butter in the dough and brush before adding the filling.
- You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with bread flour for chewier rolls.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, adjust the powdered sugar or maple syrup to taste.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 2 days and can be gently reheated in the microwave.
