Name: Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-491362H51M15S
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup sugar; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast; 3 large eggs; 1 cup milk, warmed to approximately 100°F; 12 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature, divided into 1-inch pieces; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing your baking pan; 3/4 cup brown sugar mixed with 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon (filling); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature; 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1-3 tablespoons milk (optional, to thin frosting as needed)

If you’re looking for the perfect weekend treat that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, look no further than this Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These classic cinnamon rolls boast soft, tender dough swirled with a rich cinnamon and brown sugar filling, then topped with an indulgent maple cream cheese frosting that instantly elevates every bite. The balance of sweet, warm, and slightly tangy flavors makes this recipe a beloved favorite to share with family and friends, or simply to enjoy with your morning coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds nine containers with baking ingredients arranged neatly. On the left, there is a large clear glass bowl filled with flour that has a woman's hand print in it. Below the bowl are two sticks of unsalted butter placed side by side. In the middle, a small white bowl contains three brown eggs. Above this bowl, a glass measuring cup is filled with milk. To the right, a small clear glass bowl holds packed brown sugar, next to another small clear bowl with white granulated sugar. At the bottom right, there are three small clear bowls in a row: the left holds a small amount of salt, the middle one contains yeast, and the right one has cocoa powder. All bowls and containers are on a soft white cloth background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to mastering these luscious rolls. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the creamy butter that melts into every layer of dough or the fragrant cinnamon that fills your kitchen with its warmth. Simple yet essential, these ingredients come together to create an unforgettable taste and texture.

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for soft, fluffy dough that rises beautifully.
1/3 cup sugar: Adds sweetness not only to the dough but helps with browning during baking.
2 teaspoons kosher salt: Balances flavor and enhances the sweetness.
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast: The magic that gives these rolls their perfect rise without extra fuss.
3 large eggs: Add richness and help bind the dough for a tender crumb.
1 cup milk, warmed to approximately 100°F: Activates the yeast and creates a soft dough texture.
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature and divided: Adds moisture and flakiness to the dough while enriching the filling.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing): Used to brush the dough for a tender, flaky finish and prepare the baking pan.
3/4 cup brown sugar mixed with 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The classic cinnamon roll filling—sweet with just the right spice kick.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting): Provides a luscious, creamy base for the frosting.
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: Delivers that rich tangy flavor to balance the maple sweetness in the frosting.
2 tablespoons maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness with a hint of deep maple flavor, making this frosting extra special.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and creates the perfect smooth texture.
1-3 tablespoons milk (optional): Used to adjust frosting consistency to your liking—thicker or more pourable.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by combining the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast—in a large bowl. In a separate container, whisk together the warm milk and eggs. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Then, knead in the room temperature butter, a few pieces at a time, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. This dough is the foundation of your rolls, so take your time to develop it well for that wonderful softness.

Step 2: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. This rise activates the yeast and allows the dough to develop flavor and structure that will make your rolls incredibly fluffy.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill

Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, roughly 15 by 10 inches. Brush the surface generously with the melted butter to keep the layers moist and tender. Then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture, making sure every inch is covered for that perfect cinnamon swirl in each bite.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 even rolls. Arrange the rolls snugly in a greased pan to help them puff up and bake evenly, or space them slightly apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet if you want a lighter crust.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the pan and allow the rolls to rise again until puffy, about 30 to 45 minutes. This final rise is crucial—it’s what gives the rolls that airy, tender crumb that makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The smell wafting through your kitchen is pure bliss and a signal that your Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is almost ready to be devoured.

Step 7: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat together the room temperature cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the maple syrup and powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. If your frosting is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. This frosting will bring a silky, maple-sweet finish that perfectly complements the warm cinnamon flavor.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once the rolls have cooled slightly, generously spread the maple cream cheese frosting on top. This step takes your cinnamon rolls from delicious to truly irresistible, making each bite a perfect balance of tender dough, sweet cinnamon, and luscious frosting.

How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows an oval white dish filled with eleven cinnamon rolls covered in creamy white icing. The cinnamon rolls are arranged in two rows, five rolls on each side and one roll in the center, with the icing spread unevenly, giving a soft, thick texture covering the swirled brown and beige dough underneath. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface and rests on a folded purple and light blue cloth with floral patterns. The cinnamon rolls have a golden-brown color on the edges, with visible swirls of cinnamon inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of flair and flavor, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on your frosted rolls to add a delightful crunch and nutty depth that plays beautifully with the maple cream cheese frosting. A small dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of additional maple syrup can also make these cinnamon rolls feel like a true treat.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon rolls are a star on their own, but pairing them with fresh fruit like berries or a citrus fruit salad helps balance their richness. A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte will complement the cinnamon and maple notes perfectly, rounding out your morning or brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving each cinnamon roll individually on a pretty plate with a small dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist. You can also carefully slice the rolls horizontally to make cinnamon roll sandwiches filled with extra frosting or fruit preserves for a playful presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cinnamon rolls stay moist and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to keep them longer, refrigeration is a good option but be sure to bring them back to room temperature or warm gently before serving to restore their soft texture.

Freezing

You can freeze both the prepared rolls before baking and the baked rolls after cooling. To freeze unbaked rolls, arrange them in a pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and allow the second rise before baking. For baked rolls, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm your cinnamon rolls by microwaving for 20 to 30 seconds or warming in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes. To refresh the frosting, add a thin layer of fresh maple cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of warm maple syrup after reheating for that freshly baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out to ensure easy handling and proper rising.

What type of yeast should I use?

Instant yeast is recommended for this recipe because it works quickly and you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients, which simplifies the process without needing to activate it in warm water first.

Can I substitute the maple syrup in the frosting?

While maple syrup adds a wonderful depth of flavor, you can substitute it with honey or a mild molasses for a different but still delicious twist.

How do I get the frosting to be smooth and spreadable?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing. If the frosting feels too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that’s designed for yeast breads, but be aware that the texture may be slightly different, and you might need to adjust liquids accordingly.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like pulling fresh, warm cinnamon rolls from the oven and slathering them with rich maple cream cheese frosting to create a moment of pure joy. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe delivers that perfect combination of flavors and textures that will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be requested again and again!