Go Back

Cardamom Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with warm cardamom in the dough and filling, topped with cream cheese icing.
Print Recipe
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Scandinavian-inspired
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 1 cup warm milk about 110°F
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling

  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom optional, for extra warmth

For the Icing

  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk for consistency
  • Optional: a pinch of cardamom for lightly spiced frosting

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  • Pour the yeast-milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and cardamom. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour in a warm spot, or until doubled in size.
  • Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom in a small bowl. Spread softened butter over rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the filling evenly across the surface.
  • Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 slices using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
  • Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls and sprinkle with a little cinnamon or cardamom.

Notes

If the yeast doesn't foam, your milk was too hot or the yeast is expired. Freeze baked rolls (without icing) for up to 1 month.