If you are craving something truly indulgent and irresistibly cozy, Decadent Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Frosting are exactly what you need on your breakfast table or dessert spread. These rolls boast a soft, pillowy dough bursting with warm, cinnamon-sugar swirls, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy frosting that beautifully blends cream cheese richness with the perfect hint of pure maple syrup. This recipe transforms a classic treat into a memorable experience, promising gooey bites and a fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen with joy. Once you try these, you will keep coming back for that special comfort and sweetness only Decadent Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Frosting can deliver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these cinnamon rolls lies in simple, quality ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that iconic golden color you desire. From the yeast that brings life to the dough, to the cinnamon and brown sugar filling that offers warmth, and the maple syrup in the frosting adding an elegant twist—everything matters.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise into soft, fluffy rolls with a slight tang.
- Warm whole milk (110°F): Activates the yeast gently and adds richness to the dough.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right and aids fermentation.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds moisture, tenderness, and a buttery depth.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and enrich the dough’s texture.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for these rolls, forming the delicious dough.
- Brown sugar: Packed with molasses, it gives the filling a deep caramel note.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides that signature warm, spicy aroma.
- Cream cheese: Softened to creamy perfection for that smooth frosting base.
- Powdered sugar: Sweet and fluffy, ensuring the frosting is silky and spreadable.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds a natural, rich sweetness and distinctive flavor to the frosting.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall taste with mellow sweetness and fragrance.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the frosting’s sweetness for a harmonious finish.
How to Make Decadent Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Frosting
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough
Begin by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm whole milk, allowing it to bloom for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and alive with bubbles. This step wakes up the yeast, setting the foundation for light, airy rolls. Then stir in granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs, gradually adding the flour to form a soft, cohesive dough. This dough will eventually become delicate rolls that melt in your mouth.
Step 2: Knead and Let the Dough Rise
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—this is where you develop the gluten to hold that beautiful structure. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until it doubles in size. Watching your dough puff up is always such a rewarding moment, and it promises soft, fluffy rolls ahead.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, mix together packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple filling mixture is where the warm, sweet flavor lives that we all love about cinnamon rolls. It’s aromatic, rich, and will caramelize slightly while baking.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen beautifully, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles, then roll it out on a floured surface to a 16 by 12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough—this butter creates a moist barrier that helps the cinnamon sugar cling to the dough—and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log starting from the longer side, pinch the seam to seal those spiced layers in, and cut it into 12 equal rolls. Place them snugly into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking pan to prepare for their final rise.
Step 5: Final Rise and Bake
Cover the rolls and allow them to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed up and soft—a critical step to ensure those rolls are irresistibly tender. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown all over. Keep a close eye so they don’t overbake, as you want to maintain that delicate tenderness that makes every bite a dream.
Step 6: Make the Maple Cream Frosting
While your rolls work their magic in the oven, whip up the star frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and just a pinch of salt. This frosting is where the richness of cream cheese meets the deep, earthy sweetness of real maple, creating a topping that perfectly complements each warm cinnamon spiral.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
As soon as the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled but still warm, spread the maple cream frosting generously over the top. The warmth melts the frosting slightly, creating a luscious glaze that seeps into every nook and cranny. Now, dig in and savor the incredible flavor marriage that only Decadent Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Frosting can offer!
How to Serve Decadent Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Frosting
Garnishes
To add an extra touch of texture and flair, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top just before frosting. These nuts provide a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft rolls and creamy frosting. A dusting of cinnamon powder after frosting can also enhance the aroma and give your presentation a charming finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Decadent Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Frosting are a fantastic centerpiece for breakfast or brunch. Pair them with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to balance sweetness with brightness. A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte makes an ideal companion, elevating the comfort factor of this indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these for a special occasion, consider placing the cinnamon rolls on a beautiful wooden board or a cake stand and garnish with maple leaves or edible flowers for a seasonal touch. You might also try serving individual rolls in small ramekins for a rustic, homemade look that’s perfect for gifting or party platters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best texture, bring them back to room temperature or warm gently before serving, as the frosting and dough soften wonderfully with a little heat.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully to enjoy later. Bake and cool them completely, apply the maple cream frosting, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. They will keep well for up to 3 months, letting you have a ready stash of sweet comfort whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, place the rolls in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the frosting softens anew. Alternatively, microwave a single roll for 20 to 30 seconds on medium power, but watch carefully to keep the perfect gooey texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast works well and even reduces rising time slightly. Just mix it directly with the flour instead of activating it in warm milk first. Adjust rising times as needed based on dough activity.
Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives for the frosting. The rolls will still be delicious, just with a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes, preparing the dough ahead and letting it rise overnight in the refrigerator works great. Just cover it well, and allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking in the morning for fresh cinnamon rolls.
How can I prevent the rolls from drying out after baking?
Cover the cinnamon rolls with foil or plastic wrap soon after cooling to trap moisture. Storing them in an airtight container also helps maintain softness. Warming them before serving revives their tender texture beautifully.
What other flavors can I add to the filling?
For a twist, try adding a handful of raisins, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom to the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Each addition adds a unique note while keeping the soul of these rolls intact.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully comforting about baking and sharing Decadent Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Frosting. They are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a warm hug in carb form, perfect for making any morning special or turning an ordinary day into one worth celebrating. Once you experience how easily this recipe comes together and how endlessly satisfying the results are, I promise these cinnamon rolls will become one of your cherished favorites too.
Print
Decadent Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Frosting
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Decadent Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Frosting, a perfect blend of soft, fluffy yeast dough rolled with a cinnamon sugar filling and topped with a luscious maple-infused cream cheese frosting. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, these homemade rolls offer the ultimate gooey, sweet treat with a hint of warmth from cinnamon and a rich, creamy finish.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Maple Cream Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: Stir in sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms, incorporating all ingredients smoothly.
- Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing gluten for structure and softness.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size, allowing fermentation and flavor development.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon thoroughly to create the sweet, spiced filling.
- Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then roll it on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle for even filling distribution.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough rectangle, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top to cover the surface thoroughly.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal and maintain the spiral shape.
- Slice Rolls: Cut the dough log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring spacing for rising.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up, preparing them for baking.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to reach the perfect baking temperature.
- Bake Rolls: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, avoiding overbaking to keep the rolls tender and moist.
- Prepare Frosting: While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until creamy and spreadable.
- Frost Rolls: Once the rolls are slightly cooled but still warm, spread the maple cream frosting generously over the top to melt slightly into the rolls.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for the best gooey decadence, savoring the combination of warm cinnamon rolls with sweet maple cream frosting.
Notes
- For added crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling the dough.
- Substitute half the all-purpose flour with bread flour for chewier rolls.
- Reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting if you prefer less sweetness.
- These cinnamon rolls freeze well; bake, cool completely, frost, then freeze wrapped. Reheat gently before serving.
