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Easy Crockpot Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

easy crockpot cinnamon rolls - featured image

Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls made effortlessly in a crockpot, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a cozy breakfast without the oven heat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons milk (to thin frosting if needed)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F/43°C) with the sugar and instant yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and the foamy yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour sparingly if too sticky.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the filling: Mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
  6. Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 12×16 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
  7. Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  8. Form the rolls: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  9. Arrange in the crockpot: Lightly grease the crockpot insert and place the rolls cut side up, packing them gently but not too tight.
  10. Second rise: Cover and let the rolls rise in the crockpot for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until puffy.
  11. Cook the rolls: Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours. Avoid opening the lid frequently.
  12. Make the frosting: While rolls cook, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk until smooth and creamy.
  13. Frost and finish: When the rolls are done, spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls in the crockpot. Cover and let sit for 5-10 minutes to soften the frosting.

Notes

If your crockpot runs hot, check rolls at 1.5 hours to avoid overcooking. Grease crockpot well to prevent sticking. Spread frosting while rolls are warm but not hot to maintain creamy texture. Dough can be prepped the night before and refrigerated for morning cooking.

Nutrition

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