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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Close-up of four freshly baked cinnamon rolls generously topped with creamy white icing.

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Create soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl and a creamy frosting. This recipe guides you through making an enriched yeast dough and achieving a gooey, flavorful filling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • For the Filling:
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • For the Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 24 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
  6. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
  7. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the butter.
  8. Roll the dough tightly, starting from the long edge. Pinch the seam to seal.
  9. Cut the roll into 12 equal slices.
  10. Place slices cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
  11. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. While rolls bake, prepare the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until combined. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  13. Spread frosting over warm cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • For extra gooey rolls, increase the cinnamon-sugar filling slightly.
  • Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Allowing the dough to rise properly is key to fluffy rolls.
  • For a simple glaze, mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract.

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