Ultimate Gooey Cinnamon Rolls
These Ultimate Gooey Cinnamon Rolls are soft, flavorful, and topped with a rich cream cheese icing, making them perfect for breakfast or any sweet treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk (warm (110°F/43°C)) Must be warm to activate the yeast.
- 2.25 tsp instant yeast 1 packet
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar (divided) 1 tablespoon for the yeast mixture, remaining for the dough.
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp salt
- 4.5 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
Filling Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (very soft, room temperature)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 2.5 tbsp ground cinnamon
Icing Ingredients
- 6 oz full-fat cream cheese (softened)
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk or heavy cream (optional, for consistency)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add in the melted butter, eggs, remaining sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine everything well.
- Using a dough hook, gradually add the flour, kneading for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Rolling and Cutting
- Punch the dough down and roll it out into a 12x18-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled dough. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle it evenly over the butter, pressing gently.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 slices using dental floss.
Baking
- Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 dish. Cover them and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown.
Icing
- In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, spread a bit of icing over the hot rolls to melt in, then spread the remaining icing after 10 minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
These cinnamon rolls are best served warm. Consider adding extra toppings like nuts or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Store leftovers in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated or frozen for longer storage.