Cinnamon Rolls
Delicious, soft, and gooey cinnamon rolls that are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack. Easy to make with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
For the dough
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon is used in the yeast mixture
- 1 large egg (plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the filling
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Warm the milk to 110°F. In a stand mixer bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and egg yolk to the yeast mixture. Whisk everything together until combined.
- Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer and add the flour and salt. Knead on medium speed for about 7-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Filling and Baking
- While the dough rises, mix the filling ingredients (melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon) in a small bowl to form a paste.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down. On a floured surface, roll it out into an 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
- Tightly roll the dough into a log and cut it into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they become puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Let them cool slightly after baking.
Frosting and Serving
- To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until it's light and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve them hot and enjoy!
Notes
Make sure the milk is warmed to the right temperature (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Don't skip the rising times; they are key to achieving soft and fluffy rolls. Experiment with different spices or add-ins like nuts or raisins for added flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for 2-3 months.