Introduction
The fragrance of freshly cooked cinnamon buns drifting through the home is extremely pleasant. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a festive holiday brunch, cinnamon rolls have a way of making any occasion feel special. These delightful pastries, with their soft, fluffy dough, swirls of cinnamon-sugar, and a generous layer of vanilla bean cream cheese icing, are a treat for the senses.
Growing up, my family had a tradition of making cinnamon rolls every Christmas morning. I remember waking up to the intoxicating aroma, eagerly waiting for them to come out of the oven, and then burning my tongue because I couldn’t wait for them to cool down! Those memories make cinnamon rolls more than just a dessert or breakfast item for me; they’re a slice of nostalgia.
But what makes this recipe truly special is the vanilla bean cream cheese icing. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet, with those beautiful specks of real vanilla bean adding a touch of luxury. Regardless of your level of baking skill, this recipe is simple to follow.
Enjoyment Suggestions
Perfect Pairings
Cinnamon buns are flexible and may be eaten in a variety of ways. These are some of my favorite combos:
Coffee or Tea
The robust flavors of coffee or the delicate notes of a well-brewed tea perfectly complement the sweet and spicy flavors of cinnamon rolls. Try pairing your rolls with a rich espresso or a spiced chai for an extra layer of flavor harmony.
Fresh Fruit
Balance the richness of cinnamon rolls with a side of fresh fruit. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries provide a refreshing contrast and help cut through the sweetness.
Serving Occasions
Brunch Parties
Cinnamon rolls are a hit at brunch parties. Serve them alongside other brunch favorites like quiche, scrambled eggs, and bacon. They can be the star of the show or a delightful addition to an already fantastic spread.
Holiday Mornings
Make your holiday mornings extra special by preparing cinnamon rolls the night before. Let them rise slowly in the fridge and bake them fresh in the morning. The smell alone will get everyone out of bed with a smile.
Complementary Dishes and Beverages
Mimosas : For a touch of elegance, serve cinnamon rolls with mimosas. The citrusy notes of orange juice paired with the effervescence of champagne create a delightful contrast to the rich, sweet rolls.
Yogurt Parfaits : Yogurt parfaits with layers of granola, honey, and fresh fruit are a lighter option that complements the heaviness of cinnamon rolls. It’s a balanced breakfast that offers a variety of textures and flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Cinnamon buns are tastiest when eaten fresh, but they may be refrigerated and reheated for later pleasure. Keep them in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. Simply reheat in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or bake for about 10 minutes at 350 F.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. This method allows for a slower fermentation process, enhancing the flavor of the rolls.
2. How can I tell if my dough has risen enough?
If your dough has risen adequately, it should have doubled in size. You may also do a simple test: gently insert your finger into the dough to see whether the indentation stays there, the dough is ready.
3. Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Yes, cinnamon rolls can be frozen. Roll and cut the dough into rolls, then place them on a baking pan and freeze until hardened. Then put them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake the rolls, let them defrost and rise before baking as normal.
4. What if I don’t have vanilla beans for the icing?
If you don’t have vanilla beans, you can substitute with high-quality vanilla extract. Use about 1-2 teaspoons, depending on your taste preference.
5. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Ensure you roll the dough tightly and pinch the seam to seal. Additionally, don’t overfill the rolls with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Print
Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Icing
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Prepare the Dough
Start by combining 2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Next, add the warm milk, water, melted butter, and egg, beating the mixture until well mixed. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour until the dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, which should take about 1 hour.
Make the Filling
Mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Assemble the Rolls
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and cut it into 12 equal slices. Place the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, cover them, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Prepare the Icing
Beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste, mixing until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding milk as needed.
Serve
Spread the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
Ingredients
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm milk, water, melted butter, and egg. Beat until well mixed.
- Gradually add remaining flour until the dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Make the Filling:
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal slices.
- Place the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Prepare the Icing:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste, mixing until smooth.
- Add milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm milk, water, melted butter, and egg. Beat until well mixed.
- Gradually add remaining flour until the dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Make the Filling:
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Assemble the Rolls:
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal slices.
Place the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Prepare the Icing:
Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste, mixing until smooth.
Add milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
- These cinnamon rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking.
- To freeze, bake the rolls without icing, cool completely, and store in an airtight container. Reheat and ice before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: homemade cinnamon rolls, cinnamon-sugar filling, vanilla bean cream cheese icing, breakfast, brunch, soft cinnamon rolls, fluffy cinnamon rolls, easy cinnamon rolls recipe
