Cinnamon Rolls
Delightful and warm, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert, offering a soft, fluffy texture with a rich, sweet filling and cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (100-110°F) Helps activate the yeast.
- 3 teaspoons active dry yeast Essential for dough rise.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted Provides flavor and tenderness.
- 2 large eggs Adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
- 4 cups bread flour Adds structure.
- 1 teaspoon salt Balances flavors.
Filling Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted To spread on the dough.
- 1 cup brown sugar Gives a rich sweetness.
- 1.5 tablespoons ground cinnamon Core spice of the filling.
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Adds tanginess.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Enhances creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Flavors the frosting.
- 2 tablespoons milk For spreadable consistency.
- 2 cups powdered sugar Provides sweetness.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Heat the milk in the microwave until it reaches 100-110°F.
- Pour the warm milk into a mixing bowl and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture, and stir well.
- Gradually mix in the bread flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until it's smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling and Shape the Rolls
- In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle and brush melted butter over it.
- Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar blend over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, creating a log.
- Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes.
Bake the Rolls and Prepare Frosting
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract, milk, and powdered sugar, mixing until creamy.
- Frost the warm cinnamon rolls generously once they're baked.
Notes
Serve warm, dust with powdered sugar, or add toppings like chopped nuts for added flavor. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.