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Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls

Delight in warm, soft, and gooey homemade cinnamon rolls featuring a tender dough swirled with rich cinnamon sugar filling and topped with creamy cream cheese icing. Perfect for cozy breakfasts or sweet snacks, these cinnamon rolls combine simplicity with indulgence, suitable for any occasion and easily customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Icing Ingredients

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk and dissolve the yeast with a pinch of sugar until frothy, activating it. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
  2. Make the Cinnamon Filling: Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until it forms a thick, spreadable paste, creating the classic cinnamon filling.
  3. Roll Out and Fill: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle approximately 16×12 inches. Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar butter over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
  4. Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife. Arrange the rolls snugly in a greased baking pan to maintain shape while baking.
  5. Second Rise: Cover the pan and allow the shaped rolls to rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes, which ensures a light and airy texture.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown on top but remain soft inside. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist and gooey.
  7. Prepare and Apply the Icing: Whisk together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the icing generously over the warm rolls so it melts into every crevice, enhancing their flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh yeast to ensure your dough rises properly.
  • Avoid adding too much flour during kneading; the dough should remain slightly sticky for a soft texture.
  • Roll the dough firmly but gently to prevent air pockets in the cinnamon swirl.
  • Proof the dough twice for light, fluffy cinnamon rolls.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter for better dough consistency.
  • Customize the icing by adding a pinch of salt or lemon zest for extra flavor.

Nutrition

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