Indulge in the ultimate comfort of homemade Cinnamon Rolls—soft, fluffy, and generously swirled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful treat any time of day, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups bread flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the melted butter and the egg to the yeast mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Gradually add the bread flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle measuring approximately 14×9 inches.
- Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the rolled-out dough, ensuring it reaches the edges.
- Starting from the longer edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each roll.
- Cover the baking dish and let the rolls rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
4. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
6. Frost and Serve:
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
- Serve the cinnamon rolls warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 65g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 7g
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Tips and Tricks
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that ingredients like eggs and butter are at room temperature to promote better mixing and dough consistency.
- Kneading the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky during kneading, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable. Be cautious not to add too much, as this can make the rolls dense.
- Overnight Preparation: To prepare the rolls ahead of time, assemble them up to the point of the second rise. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let the rolls sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking.
- Cutting the Rolls: For clean and even slices, use unflavored dental floss. Slide the floss under the rolled dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull to cut through.
- Storing and Reheating: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to regain their softness.
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