What makes the perfect breakfast treat even better? A creamy cream cheese topping on sweet cinnamon rolls, smothered in a rich icing and baked to perfection with tender love and homemade care. Featuring soft dough and a quick baking method, this easy recipe is a family favorite. Save this idea for a delicious weeknight dinner alternative.

cinnamon rolls with icing on top in a baking dish, and then topped with cream cheese

Introduction

Imagine waking up to the sweet, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, smothered in a rich icing and topped with a generous dollop of cream cheese. This classic breakfast treat is not only a delight to the senses, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make using everyday ingredients. With a few simple steps and some basic kitchen tools, you can create a delicious, show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making cinnamon rolls with icing on top in a baking dish, and then topping them with cream cheese. Get ready to indulge in a sweet, fluffy, and utterly irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of sweet cinnamon, rich icing, and tangy cream cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, the ingredients are easily accessible and affordable, making this recipe a great option for anyone.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare. The dough comes together quickly, and the icing and cream cheese topping can be made in just a few minutes.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: With just a few simple steps, you can create a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress. The cinnamon rolls will rise beautifully, and the icing and cream cheese topping will add a rich, creamy texture that’s sure to wow.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients in this recipe include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, salt, unsalted butter, eggs, ground cinnamon, powdered sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. You’ll also need some basic kitchen tools, such as a stand mixer, a baking dish, and a whisk. If you don’t have any of these ingredients or tools, there are some practical substitutions you can make. For example, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor, or substitute the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a slightly different taste.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they’re well combined, then add in the unsalted butter and eggs. Mix the dough until it comes together in a sticky ball, then knead it on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Step 2: Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side, then cut it into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a baking dish, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.
3. Step 3: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes, then drizzle the icing over the top of the rolls.
4. Step 4: Top the rolls with a generous dollop of cream cheese, then serve warm and enjoy! You can also add some chopped nuts or cinnamon on top of the cream cheese for extra flavor and texture.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough, dense rolls. Instead, mix the ingredients just until they come together in a sticky ball, then knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Don’t overbake the rolls, as this can cause them to dry out and lose their texture. Instead, bake them for about 20-25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
• Use high-quality ingredients, such as real vanilla extract and pure cream cheese, to get the best flavor and texture out of your rolls.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking the rolls is 375°F (190°C), and the baking time is about 20-25 minutes. You can check the rolls for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of one of the rolls – if it comes out clean, the rolls are done. If the toothpick is still sticky or covered in dough, bake the rolls for a few more minutes and check again.

Crunch Factor

The rolls should be soft and fluffy on the inside, with a slightly crispy crust on the outside. To achieve this texture, make sure to not overbake the rolls, and use a generous amount of icing and cream cheese on top. You can also add some chopped nuts or cinnamon on top of the cream cheese for extra crunch and flavor.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a stand mixer to mix and knead the dough, as this can save you a lot of time and effort. Simply combine the ingredients in the mixer bowl, then use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Let the rolls rise for a few minutes before baking, as this can help them develop a lighter, airier texture. Simply place the rolls in a warm, draft-free place, such as a pantry or cupboard, and let them rise for about 10-15 minutes.
• Use a pastry brush to apply the icing and cream cheese topping, as this can help you get a smooth, even layer. Simply dip the brush in the icing or cream cheese, then brush it evenly over the top of the rolls.

Storage Tips

• Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the rolls for up to 2 months, then thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave or oven.
• Reheat the rolls in the microwave or oven until warm and fluffy. You can also add a few seconds of icing or cream cheese on top of the rolls before reheating, as this can help them develop a smooth, creamy texture.
• Use a high-quality container or bag to store the rolls, as this can help keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out. You can also add a few slices of bread or a few cookies to the container to help absorb any moisture and keep the rolls fresh.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give the rolls as a gift, you can package them in a decorative tin or box, or wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also add a few decorative touches, such as a ribbon or a gift tag, to make the gift more special. Simply place the rolls in the tin or box, then add a few decorations on top. You can also include a few extra treats, such as a few cookies or a bag of coffee, to make the gift more complete.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: You can try using different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to give the rolls a unique flavor. Simply add the spices to the dough or icing, then mix until well combined.
• Creative toppings: You can try using different toppings, such as chopped nuts or chocolate chips, to give the rolls a unique flavor and texture. Simply sprinkle the toppings over the top of the rolls before baking, or mix them into the icing or cream cheese.
• Ingredient swaps: You can try swapping out different ingredients, such as using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, or using honey instead of granulated sugar. Simply substitute the ingredients in the recipe, then mix and bake as usual.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the rolls are too dense or tough, you may have overmixed the dough. Try mixing the ingredients just until they come together in a sticky ball, then kneading the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have any of the ingredients, you can try substituting them with similar ingredients. For example, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, or use honey instead of granulated sugar.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the rolls are overcooked, they may be dry and crumbly. If they’re undercooked, they may be soft and sticky. Try baking the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the rolls for up to 2 months, then thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave or oven.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe contains gluten, as it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make more rolls. Simply multiply the ingredients by two, then mix and bake as usual.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making cinnamon rolls with icing on top in a baking dish, and then topping them with cream cheese is a fun and rewarding process that’s sure to impress family and friends. With a few simple steps and some basic kitchen tools, you can create a delicious, show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet, fluffy, and utterly irresistible taste of homemade cinnamon rolls!