Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
These Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet. The ultimate fall treat!
Meet your new irresistible homemade treat: Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting. These soft, warm, and fluffy rolls are perfectly swirled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling that melts in your mouth with every bite. The sweet maple frosting adds rich caramel-like notes and a touch of extra indulgence to these amazing rolls. They are sure to become a beloved tradition, so be sure to save this recipe for later!
Hungry for more gooey, pull-apart cinnamon roll goodness? Check out my Perfect Cinnamon Rolls, Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, and others here.
HOMEMADE CINNAMON ROLLS WITH MAPLE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make these cinnamon rolls extra special. The dough starts with creamy whole milk and rich salted butter, mixed with just the right amount of sugar, salt, and instant yeast to create a soft, fluffy base. Eggs add extra tenderness, while plenty of all-purpose flour helps the dough rise to perfection.
The cinnamon filling is pure comfort with the softened butter blended with light brown sugar and fragrant cinnamon, creating that iconic swirl. And the star topping? The dreamy and creamy maple cream cheese frosting made from smooth cream cheese, butter, light brown sugar, vanilla, and real maple extract, whipped together with powdered sugar and milk for a silky, sweet finish. Together, these ingredients bake into warm, gooey rolls that’ll become your new favorite breakfast or anytime treat!
Find my expert tips on how to make these cinnamon rolls taste the best they can be below! Don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations @lifeinthelofthouse on Instagram or Facebook. Let’s stay connected. ❤️
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Maple Cinnamon Rolls:
- Warm & Comforting: Freshly baked with soft, fluffy dough that melts in your mouth.
- Made From Scratch: Simple ingredients for a homemade treat that tastes better than store-bought.
- Sweet & Buttery Filling: A delicious cinnamon-sugar swirl that adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
- Decadent Maple Frosting: Creamy maple cream cheese frosting brings a unique twist to classic cinnamon rolls.
- Perfect For Any Occasion: Ideal for holiday mornings, brunches, parties, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 cups whole milk (2% also works)
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ Tablespoon instant yeast
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon high quality maple extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- milk, as needed
Instructions
For The Cinnamon Rolls
Heat the milk in a saucepan until milk is scalded. (Heating right before the boiling point. Small bubbles will appear around the edges of the pan and milk will be steaming.)
Pour scalded milk in the bowl of an electric stand-mixer. Add the butter, sugar and salt. Using the dough hook, mix until combined. Allow to cool down until warm. (105 degrees F.) *If the mixture is too hot it will kill the yeast.
Add the yeast and eggs and mix until combined. Gradually add in the flour. Mix until the dough comes away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be soft but slightly sticky. Knead for 5 minutes. Transfer dough to a large, greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled in size.
Punch down dough and then place on a floured surface. Roll out into an 18×12-inch rectangle.
For The Cinnamon Filling
Spread the softened butter evenly over the rectangle. Stir together brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the butter.
Starting with the longer side of the dough, roll up tightly into a log then pinch at the seam. Cut into 12 equal portions.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place rolls onto the lined baking sheet. (3 across, 4 down) Cover with a kitchen towel and allow the rolls to rise until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 350° F. while the rolls are rising.
Once risen, bake rolls for 20 to 22 minutes or until golden on top. Carefully remove from the oven. Allow rolls to cool down for at least 30 minutes before frosting.
For The Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Add all frosting ingredients to a large bowl or stand mixer. Beat with an electric hand mixer or paddle attachment in a stand mixer. Mix until smooth and combined. Frost rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Servings
Yields: 12 large cinnamon rolls.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Maple Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s important to store these in the fridge because of the cream cheese in the frosting. The baked rolls can also be frozen for up to 3 months, sealed tightly in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15 to 20 seconds.
Holly’s Tips for the Best Homemade Maple Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls:
- Warm The Milk, Don’t Boil: Scald the milk until small bubbles appear, then let it cool to around 105°F before adding yeast. Too-hot milk can kill the yeast, preventing your rolls from rising properly.
- Dough Guidance: When adding the flour, aim for a soft, slightly sticky dough. Knead for 5 minutes to develop structure, but avoid over-kneading, which can make these rolls dense.
- Even Cinnamon Filling: Spread the butter evenly and sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture consistently across the dough. This ensures each bite has a perfect swirl of cinnamon-sugar goodness.
- Roll Tightly: Roll the dough starting with the longer side and pinch the seam well. This keeps the rolls together while rising and baking.
- Double Rise For Fluffiness: Allow the rolls to rise once in the bowl and a second time after cutting. This double-rise method creates soft, fluffy, bakery-style cinnamon rolls.
- Cool Before Frosting: Let the cinnamon rolls cool at least 30 minutes before adding the maple cream cheese frosting to prevent it from melting and sliding off.
- Maple Flavor Boost: Use high-quality maple extract in the frosting for a rich, authentic maple flavor that perfectly complements the cinnamon-sugar filling. Maple is also in season during the fall, which is what makes this recipe come to life, and makes it the perfect fall treat!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! 2% milk works perfectly, and whole milk will make the rolls even richer.
Yes! You can prepare the dough, roll it, and place the rolls in the pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning for fresh, warm rolls.
Be careful not to over-knead the dough and make sure not to over-flour and over-bake. The double rise and slightly sticky dough help ensure soft, fluffy rolls.
Yes! Maple cream cheese frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Yes, optional toppings like chopped pecans, walnuts, or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar can be added after frosting for extra flavor and texture!
Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure and texture.
Similar Recipes
Craving something similar? My Perfect Cinnamon Rolls are soft, gooey, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Looking for a fall-inspired treat? These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls bring cozy autumn flavors to the breakfast table.
In the mood for something more bite-sized? Cinnamon Roll Donut Bites are soft, fluffy, and coated in cinnamon-sugar.
Want an easy copycat recipe? You’ll love my Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls, perfect for a weekend brunch indulgence.
Feeding a large crowd? My Cinnamon Roll Cake is a moist, buttery cinnamon dessert cake with a luscious vanilla glaze drizzled over the top, perfect for holiday parties.
Have you made this Maple Cinnamon Rolls recipe? ❤️
Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #CinnamonRolls #MapleCreamCheeseFrosting #LifeInTheLofthouse
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 cups whole milk (2% milk also works)
- ½ cup salted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ Tablespoon instant yeast
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup salted butter softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup salted butter softened
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon high-quality maple extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- milk as needed
Instructions
Cinnamon Rolls
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until milk is scalded. (Heating right before the boiling point. Small bubbles will appear around the edges of the pan and milk will be steaming.)
- Pour scalded milk in the bowl of an electric stand-mixer. Add the butter, sugar and salt. Using the dough hook, mix until combined. Allow to cool down until warm. (105 degrees F.) *If the mixture is too hot it will kill the yeast.
- Add the yeast and eggs and mix until combined. Gradually add in the flour. Mix until the dough comes away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be soft but slightly sticky. Knead for 5 minutes. Transfer dough to a large, greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough and then place on a floured surface. Roll out into an 18×12-inch rectangle.
Cinnamon Roll Filling
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the rectangle. Stir together brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the butter.
- Starting with the longer side of the dough, roll up tightly into a log then pinch at the seam. Cut into 12 equal portions.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place rolls onto the lined baking sheet. (3 across, 4 down) Cover with a kitchen towel and allow the rolls to rise until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. while the rolls are rising.
- Once risen, bake rolls for 20 to 22 minutes or until golden on top. Carefully remove from the oven. Allow rolls to cool down for at least 30 minutes before frosting.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- Add all frosting ingredients to a large bowl or stand mixer. Beat with an electric hand mixer or paddle attachment in a stand mixer. Mix until smooth and combined. Frost rolls. Serve and enjoy!
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