Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these decadent Cinnamon Rolls topped with Cream Cheese Frosting and a luscious Caramel Drizzle. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with a sweet cinnamon filling that melts in your mouth. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness, while the caramel drizzle provides a delightful sweetness that takes these rolls to the next level. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and fluffy.
- Prepare the Caramel Drizzle:
- In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully add the heavy cream, butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Frost and Drizzle:
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the frosted rolls.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy the gooey, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and assemble the rolls the night before. Cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
- Storage: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
- Variations: Add chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Enjoy your Cinnamon Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting and Caramel Drizzle! It’s a treat that’s sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings. If you have any questions or need more recipes, feel free to ask!