Easy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Written by on in Dessert, Diverse Story Sunday, Recipes

Diverse Story Sunday – Every Sunday, I share a recipe that is inspired by a book with diverse characters. You can check out other posts from the series here.

Hungry Johnny is the heartwarming story of a young Native American boy who loves to “eat eat eat!” At a community event, while waiting for his turn to eat, Johnny learns the importance of putting the needs of his community before his own.

Throughout the book, Johnny has his heart set on the delicious sweet rolls that his grandmother has brought to share with the community. I was inspired by those rolls to make homemade cinnamon rolls! These cinnamon rolls are the easiest version possible – they don’t require an overnight rise, they can be made the same day or evening that you plan to bake them.

Before a 1.5 hour rise
After a 1.5 hour rise

When it comes to frosting, instead of the traditional icing (which is made with a base of milk and powdered sugar), I opted for a healthier and even more delicious cream cheese frosting which is made with just 4 ingredients and has no added sugar.

Easy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Easy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Recipe by bringingupfoodies
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • Cinnamon Rolls

  • 2 3/4 cup flour

  • 1/4 cup sugar

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

  • 1/2 cup whole milk

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 1 egg

  • Filling

  • 3 tbsp butter, room temperature

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

  • Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 6 oz. whipped cream cheese, room temperature

  • 2 tsp low-fat vanilla yogurt

  • 2 tsp maple syrup

  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/4 cup water

Directions

  • In a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  • In a microwave safe bowl, combine milk, water, and butter. Microwave on high for 1.5 mins or until butter has melted.
  • Pour mixture in with the dry ingredients, add egg, and mix until very the mixture comes together.
  • If using a stand mixer, switch to a dough hook and knead for 1 – 2 minutes, until the mixture forms a smooth, round ball.
  • Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and allow to sit for 15 minutes.
  • Pour the dough out onto a floured surface and roll out to a rectangular shape that is roughly 14″ x 8″. Then spread softened butter over the surface and evenly spread the brown sugar and cinnamon.
  • Roll the dough lengthwise into a long log form and cut into ~12 equal pieces.
  • Place the pieces into a greased 9″ cake pan and cover with aluminum foil. Allow to rise for 90 minutes.
  • Once rolls have doubled in size, preheat oven to 375 degrees and bake for 25 minutes.
  • While rolls are baking, mix the ingredients for the frosting. Once rolls have baked and cooled for 10 minutes, top with frosting.