Oh my goodness, get ready for an irresistible treat! I’m absolutely giddy to share my gooey cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting recipe. These rolls are a family favorite, and they’ve become a staple in my home, especially on lazy Sunday mornings. I remember the first time I baked them; the house filled with that warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon and sugar—nothing beats the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the air, right?
And let me tell you, there’s just something extra special about pulling those warm, fluffy rolls out of the oven, slathering them in creamy frosting, and sharing them with loved ones. It’s like giving the gift of happiness, one gooey bite at a time! Whether you’re trying to impress some guests or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these rolls are sure to win hearts.
What’s in Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Let’s break down our star ingredients a bit, shall we?
All-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough! It gives our rolls that lovely chewy texture. You can use whatever brand you love, but I usually go for King Arthur or Gold Medal for consistent quality.
Active dry yeast: This little packet is what helps our dough rise and makes those rolls wonderfully fluffy. Be sure it’s fresh for the best results!
Granulated sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way in yeast dough, and it contributes to that golden crust!
Salt: Believe it or not, a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in our rolls and combats any overly sweet notes—don’t skip it!
Milk: The warm milk helps activate the yeast and adds richness to the dough. I usually use whole milk but any kind will do.
Unsalted butter: Butter makes everything better! We use it in the dough for richness and in the filling for that decadent gooeyness.
Egg: Gives structure and makes the dough beautifully tender.
Now for the gooey filling!
Unsalted butter (for filling): Softened butter blends seamlessly with sugars and spices to create our delicious filling.
Brown sugar: This creates that chewy, caramel-like sweetness we all love. Don’t skimp on it!
Ground cinnamon: The true star of the filling! It gives that warm and cozy flavor.
And of course, we can’t forget about the heavenly cream cheese frosting!
Cream cheese: Cream cheese is where the magic happens—it’s rich, tangy, and pairs perfectly with those sweet rolls.
Powdered sugar: To sweeten and thicken our frosting to that perfect drizzle-able consistency.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds depth and enhances the sweetness!
Milk: Used to get that frosting to the right consistency; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
Is Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Good for You?
Okay, let’s be real. These gooey cinnamon rolls aren’t exactly a health food! But they do bring joy, and isn’t happiness just as important?
All-purpose flour: While it’s not whole grain, it does provide carbohydrates for energy. Moderation is key!
Brown sugar: It contains some minerals thanks to the molasses, but it’s still sugar. Enjoy these rolls as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence.
Cinnamon: On the bright side, cinnamon has health benefits! It can help lower blood sugar levels and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cream cheese: A source of calcium! It’s a bit rich, so maybe save these rolls for a special occasion or lazy breakfasts.
Remember, it’s all about balance. Enjoying a delicious roll with family and friends is good for the soul!
Ingredients List
– For the dough (makes about 12 rolls):
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk, warmed (about 110°F)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– For the filling:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– For the cream cheese frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
How to Make Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well (and maybe dance a little while you do it!).
2. In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and stir until combined, like a beautiful marriage of flavors.
3. Gradually add the remaining flour (up to 2 cups) until the dough begins to form. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic—give it some love!
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. Use this time to daydream about how amazing they’ll taste!
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The excitement is building!
6. Once risen, roll the dough out into a large rectangle (about 16×24 inches). Spread softened butter all over the dough, just like icing on a big canvas.
7. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this delightful mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
8. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces—think big cinnamon rolls, not tiny ones!
9. Grease a baking dish and place the rolls inside. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Patience is key as the aroma fills your kitchen!
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Try not to peek too often—you want them to bake nicely!
11. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well. Stir in vanilla extract and milk until you reach the desired consistency—oh yes, it’s going to be delicious!
12. Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before drizzling with cream cheese frosting. I won’t judge if you sneak a bite before frosting!
Serving and Savory Suggestions
For an extra gooey texture, I highly recommend adding a bit of heavy cream to the bottom of the pan before baking. This keeps them warm and sticky! Serve warm for the best experience—nothing beats a fresh, gooey bite dripping in creamy frosting. These are also fantastic served with a cup of coffee or tea!
So, are you ready to experience pure bliss? Whip up these gooey cinnamon rolls, and I promise you won’t regret it. Give them a try and share your experiences—I can’t wait to hear how they turn out! Let’s get baking!
