Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing: A Dreamy Breakfast Treat
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. These Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing take that indulgence to a whole new level. Soft and pillowy dough wrapped around a cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a rich and nutty brown butter caramel cream cheese icing—these rolls are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re looking for the perfect weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch showstopper, or a sweet treat to impress your guests, these cinnamon rolls deliver on every level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cinnamon rolls are made from a buttery, enriched dough that rises to a soft and fluffy texture. The cinnamon-sugar filling is perfectly spiced, while the brown butter caramel cream cheese icing provides a luxurious, slightly salty-sweet topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With a bit of patience for the dough to rise, these cinnamon rolls are surprisingly easy to make and will fill your home with the most delightful aromas.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 6 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra if needed)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground vanilla bean powder
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 6 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature
For the Brown Butter Caramel Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- ¼ – ⅓ cup caramel sauce
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
Add the butter, eggs, 3 ½ – 4 cups of flour, vanilla bean powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed with the dough hook until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and soft, about 4-5 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add an additional ¼ cup of flour as needed.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon sugar filling. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside for the rolled dough.
Step 3: Roll and Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 12 x 18 inches.
Spread the room temperature butter evenly over the dough, ensuring that the entire surface is covered. Sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Starting from the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the edges to seal the roll. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12-15 equal rolls.
Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 5: Make the Brown Butter Caramel Cream Cheese Icing
While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook the butter until it begins to foam and turn a light golden brown, with a nutty aroma (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the browned butter, caramel sauce, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Beat until the icing is smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. Generously spread the caramel cream cheese icing over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly into the swirls of dough.
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle the tops with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy the fluffy, sweet, and decadent treat!
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon rolls are perfect served fresh out of the oven for breakfast or brunch. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. They’re also great for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or weekend gatherings. You can even prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate them after they’ve been shaped, and bake them fresh in the morning for an easy make-ahead option.
Recipe Notes
- Make Ahead: To prepare these cinnamon rolls the night before, shape the rolls and place them in the baking dish, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow the rolls to come to room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking.
- Storage: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to enjoy them warm again.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully! Freeze them baked and iced or before icing, and just thaw and warm them up before serving.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 12-15 rolls
- Calories: 450 kcal per roll
Final Thoughts
These Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing are a decadent treat that will elevate any breakfast or brunch. The fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and rich, caramel cream cheese icing create a mouthwatering combination that’s irresistible. Perfect for special occasions or simply indulging on a cozy weekend morning, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 1x
Description
These Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing are an irresistible treat, perfect for any cozy morning or indulgent dessert. The rolls are soft and fluffy, filled with a generous amount of cinnamon sugar and butter. Topped with a rich caramel cream cheese icing made with browned butter, they deliver a delightful balance of sweet and buttery flavors. A pinch of flaky sea salt elevates every bite.
Ingredients
Dough:
1 cup warm milk
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
1 tbsp brown sugar
6 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature
3 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra if needed)
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp ground vanilla bean powder
Filling:
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
6 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature
Brown Butter Caramel Cream Cheese Icing:
4 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature
4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
¼ – ⅓ cup caramel sauce
2–3 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
Make the Dough:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and frothy.
Add the butter, eggs, 3 ½ – 4 cups flour, vanilla bean powder, and salt. Mix on low with the dough hook until the flour is fully incorporated, about 4-5 minutes. If the dough is sticky, add an extra ¼ cup flour as needed until the dough is smooth and soft to touch.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: 4. While the dough is rising, mix the filling by combining the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
Roll and Shape the Dough: 5. Punch the risen dough down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 12 x 18 inches. Spread the room temperature butter evenly over the dough, and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. 6. Starting from the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, pinch the edges to seal the roll. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12-15 rolls. 7. Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 15-20 minutes.
Bake: 8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
Make the Brown Butter Caramel Cream Cheese Icing: 9. While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a small pot, melt the butter over medium heat and cook until it turns a light golden brown and develops a nutty aroma (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside. 10. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the brown butter, powdered sugar, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Beat until the icing is smooth and creamy.
Serve: 11. Once the cinnamon rolls have finished baking, spread the caramel cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. Garnish with an extra pinch of flaky sea salt if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450