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Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Cream Cheese
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Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Cream Cheese - Soft, Fluffy and Irresistibly Creamy

These Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Cream Cheese are soft, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon flavor. Made with a homemade cream cheese filling and frosting, this recipe creates bakery-style cinnamon rolls using simple ingredients that are easy to find. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, dessert, or special occasions.
Author Onyok Kokok

Ingredients

Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour, or a combination (1 cup flour = 160 grams)
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder optional
  • 2 tablespoons butter room temperature

Yeast Mixture

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar taken from the dough ingredients

Layer 1 Filling

  • 3 tablespoons butter softened

Layer 2 Homemade Cream Cheese Filling

  • 3 cups full cream milk
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt
  • 60 grams cheddar cheese

Layer 3 Cinnamon Sugar Filling

  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 3 teaspoons cinnamon powder

Instructions

Bloom the Yeast

  • Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl.
  • Stir well.
  • Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

Prepare the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, evaporated milk, salt, and nutmeg powder.
  • Mix until combined.
  • Add the bloomed yeast mixture.
  • Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  • Add room-temperature butter. Mix again.
  • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
  • Knead until smooth and elastic. Avoid adding too much flour during kneading.

First Rise

  • Lightly grease the dough with a small amount of cooking oil.
  • Place it back into the bowl.
  • Cover with a clean cloth.
  • Let it rise for 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.

Make the Homemade Cream Cheese Filling

  • Pour the full cream milk into a pot.
  • Bring it to a boil while stirring continuously.
  • Once boiling, slowly add lemon juice while stirring.
  • Continue stirring until the milk curdles.
  • Turn off the heat.
  • Drain the curds using a strainer or cheesecloth.
  • Transfer the curds to a food processor.
  • Add cheddar cheese, sugar, salt, and butter.
  • Blend until smooth and creamy.

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

  • Combine sugar and cinnamon powder in a small bowl.
  • Mix well.

Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls

  • Roll the dough into a thin rectangle approximately 11 x 16 inches.
  • Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
  • Spread half of the homemade cream cheese filling over the butter layer.
  • Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
  • Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log.

Cut the Rolls

  • Use a piece of string or thread (sinulid) to cut the dough into 12 equal pieces.
  • This method helps maintain the shape of the rolls.

Second Rise

  • Arrange the rolls in a lined baking tray.
  • Cover with a cloth.
  • Let them rest for 30 minutes.

Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  • Bake the Cinnamon Rolls for 18 to 20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Frost and Serve

  • While the rolls are still warm, spread the remaining homemade cream cheese filling on top.
  • Serve and enjoy.