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Soft and Gooey Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Close-up of two fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls topped with thick white icing on a white plate.
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Bake classic, soft cinnamon rolls from scratch with a rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for a special holiday breakfast.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup whole milk, warm
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar in a small bowl. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the remaining granulated sugar, softened butter, and egg. Add the yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge.
  7. Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed.
  8. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
  9. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting: Beat the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
  12. Remove rolls from the oven and immediately spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.

Notes

  • If you are short on time, consider using a meal planning service to manage your weeknight dinners, freeing up time for baking treats like these.
  • For extra soft rolls, make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
  • If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar by half a cup.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/homemade-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/