Breakfast · Medium
Soft Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Pillowy yeast rolls swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, baked until golden, and finished with a thick cream cheese icing while still warm.
By Hannah Reyes · Tested twice in our kitchen
- Prep30 min
- Cook25 min
- Total55 min
- Serves12
- Calories410
About this recipe
There is no smell like cinnamon rolls baking on a weekend morning. This dough is enriched with milk, butter, and egg so the rolls bake up soft and stay that way for days.
The recipe takes about two and a half hours including rising, but almost all of it is hands-off. You can also shape the rolls the night before and bake them in the morning.
Why this recipe works
- An enriched dough stays soft and tender.
- Brown sugar in the filling melts into a caramel-like swirl.
- Icing the rolls warm lets the frosting melt into every spiral.
Variations
- Add chopped pecans or raisins to the filling.
- Use orange zest in the icing for a citrus note.
- Swap cinnamon for cardamom for a Scandinavian twist.
How to serve
Serve warm with coffee or cold milk. Reheat leftovers 15 seconds in the microwave.
Storage and reheating
Most breakfast dishes keep 3 days in the fridge. French toast, muffins, and cinnamon rolls freeze for up to 2 months — reheat French toast in a toaster and rolls for 15 seconds in the microwave. Cook eggs fresh each time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Soft Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls take to make?
About 55 minutes in total — 30 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 12.
Is this recipe difficult?
We rate it medium. Read the full recipe once before starting, measure your ingredients, and follow the steps in order.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double every ingredient and cook in batches or in a larger pan so nothing is crowded. Cooking times stay about the same per batch.
Can I prepare it the night before?
Mix dry ingredients and prep fruit the night before. Cook the final dish in the morning for the best texture.
