Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

January 8, 2025

Experience the comforting aroma and delightful taste of our half-batch cinnamon rolls, perfectly sized for a smaller treat, featuring soft and fluffy rolls filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, with optional raisins and walnuts for a customizable and utterly satisfying baking experience.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
1 large egg (lightly beaten)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

For the Filling:

1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup Raisins (optional)
1/4 cup Chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon milk (for consistency)

Make the Dough:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, beaten egg, and melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
Mix until a sticky dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Set aside the raisins and walnuts if using.

Assemble the Rolls:

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle, approximately 12x8 inches.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter. Add raisins and walnuts if desired.
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
Cut the log into 6–8 equal pieces and place them cut-side up in a greased 8-inch round or square pan.
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.

Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Make the Frosting:

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of milk. Mix until creamy. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.