There is nothing quite like the warm, comforting embrace of a freshly baked batch of fluffy rolls, smothered in rich, tangy frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and spice. This Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe brings that dreamy bakery experience right into your kitchen. It combines soft, tender dough swirled with a fragrant cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious maple-infused cream cheese frosting that will have you reaching for seconds before the first bite is even gone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important part in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and visual delight. Though the ingredient list might seem long, each component is simple and essential, coming together effortlessly to yield irresistible cinnamon rolls.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Scalded milk adds moisture and a subtle sweetness while helping the dough rise beautifully.
- Salted butter (½ cup + ½ cup + ½ cup, softened): Butter keeps the dough tender and rich and adds depth to the filling and frosting.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the dough gently and balances the flavors.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors without being overpowering.
- Instant yeast (¾ Tablespoon): The leavening agent responsible for fluffy, airy rolls with a light crumb.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): They enrich the dough and add structure for soft but sturdy rolls.
- All-purpose flour (6 cups): The foundation of the dough that creates the ideal chewiness and structure.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup + 2 Tablespoons): Mellow maple-like sweetness for the filling and frosting with a touch of moisture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 Tablespoon): The signature warming spice that defines the cinnamon roll experience.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Brings tangy creaminess and a rich texture to the frosting.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a lovely aromatic depth to the frosting.
- Maple extract (1 teaspoon): The star flavor elevating the frosting with natural maple sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Ensures the frosting is smooth, sweet, and spreadable.
- Milk (as needed): Used to adjust frosting consistency to creamy perfection.
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by gently heating the milk until you see small bubbles forming around the edges—that perfect scalded stage. Immediately pour it into your mixer bowl and add the butter, sugar, and salt. Mixing these ingredients while the milk cools to warm will give the dough a silky richness without killing the yeast later.
Step 2: Activate Yeast and Knead
Add the instant yeast and beaten eggs to the warm milk mixture and stir. Start gradually incorporating the flour. Your dough should feel soft but slightly sticky and start pulling away from the bowl’s edges. Knead for about five minutes to build the perfect elastic texture essential for soft rolls, then transfer to a greased bowl and let it rise until doubled. Watching it grow is pure joy and the promise of sweet goodness ahead.
Step 3: Roll Out and Add Filling
Punch down the dough and roll it into a large 18×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture generously on top. This luscious cinnamon-sugar layer is where the magic truly begins!
Step 4: Shape and Proof the Rolls
Roll the dough up tightly from the longer side into a log, sealing the edges by pinching. Cut into 12 even pieces and place them neatly on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 3×4 arrangement. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise again until doubled—this step is crucial for those fluffy clouds of cinnamon delight.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
While the rolls rise, preheat your oven to 350° F. When ready, bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the rolls turn a warm golden color on top. Seeing them come out of the oven with that inviting aroma is truly a happy moment. Let them cool for at least 30 minutes before you frost.
Step 6: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
To make the luscious frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, brown sugar, vanilla, maple extract, and powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust the consistency with milk if needed. Slather the frosting generously over the cooled rolls, letting it melt into every curve and swirl.
How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Add a touch of whimsy and extra flavor by sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the frosted rolls. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of pure maple syrup creates a flawless finishing touch that will wow your guests and make every bite even more memorable.
Side Dishes
Pair these cinnamon rolls with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy chai latte to complement the sweet spices and rich frosting. Fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or a bowl of mixed berries, adds a refreshing contrast to the richness and makes a balanced breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these rolls on a tiered cake stand for visually stunning presentation at brunch or gatherings. You can also create individual cinnamon roll “cakes” by stacking two or three smaller rolls together and adding frosting between layers for a show-stopping treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. The frosting may firm up slightly but will soften quickly when warmed gently.
Freezing
These cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully either before baking or after frosting. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating and serving.
Reheating
Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or place in a 300° F oven for 10 minutes to restore soft, just-baked goodness. If frosting has firmed up, let the rolls sit at room temperature a few minutes before digging in.
FAQs
Can I use milk other than whole milk?
Yes! While whole milk yields the creamiest dough, 2% milk works well too. Avoid skim milk as it may affect the richness and texture of the rolls.
Do I have to use maple extract in the frosting?
Maple extract is key to achieving the signature flavor of the frosting but if it’s unavailable, pure maple syrup can be used instead. Just reduce powdered sugar slightly to maintain the right consistency.
Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate it?
Absolutely! After the initial rise, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling, filling, and shaping your rolls.
What’s the best way to ensure rolls rise well?
Keep your dough in a warm, draft-free spot during rising. Covering the bowl or baking sheet with a damp kitchen towel helps retain moisture and warmth for a perfect rise.
How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?
Storing the rolls in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap keeps moisture locked in. Reheat gently to revive softness without drying out the dough.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is more than just a breakfast treat; it’s a little hug in edible form that can brighten any morning or cozy gathering. Take your time with the process and enjoy the fragrant kitchen it creates. Once you make these rolls, they’ll become a beloved staple you’ll want to bake again and again. Trust me, your family and friends will thank you for it!
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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade cinnamon rolls featuring a soft, tender dough swirled with a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar filling and finished with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these cinnamon rolls are baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy, subtly maple-flavored frosting for an irresistible treat.
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, for consistency)
Instructions
- Heat the Milk: Warm the milk in a saucepan until scalded – just before boiling with small bubbles around the edges and steaming. This step helps dissolve the butter and sugar and activates yeast later without killing it.
- Mix Dough Base: Pour the scalded milk into the bowl of an electric stand mixer. Add butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Using a dough hook, mix until combined. Let the mixture cool to about 105°F to protect the yeast.
- Add Yeast and Eggs: Stir in instant yeast and beaten eggs, mixing until incorporated thoroughly.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add the flour while mixing until dough pulls away from the bowl sides, soft but slightly sticky. Knead with the dough hook for 5 minutes to develop gluten for a tender texture.
- First Rise: Transfer dough to a large greased bowl, cover, and let it double in size, about 1 hour, depending on ambient temperature.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into an 18×12-inch rectangle.
- Make the Filling: Spread softened butter evenly over the dough rectangle. Mix brown sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the butter layer.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal and cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Prepare for Second Rise: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange rolls in a 3 by 4 grid. Cover with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise until doubled, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven: While rolls rise, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake the risen rolls for 20 to 22 minutes or until golden on top. Remove carefully and cool for at least 30 minutes before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together cream cheese, softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, maple extract, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk as needed to reach desired spreading consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the maple cream cheese frosting over the cooled cinnamon rolls evenly. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your homemade cinnamon treats!
Notes
- Make sure the milk mixture is warm, not hot, before adding yeast to prevent killing it.
- Allow enough rising time for the dough to double in size for fluffy rolls.
- Cooling the rolls before frosting prevents the frosting from melting and becoming runny.
- You can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Use high-quality maple extract for the best authentic flavor in the frosting.
