Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bakery paradise with these mind-blowing homemade cinnamon rolls that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, soft roll oozing with rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting that'll have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to become your new weekend breakfast obsession!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, warm milk and 1/4 cup butter until butter is melted. Let cool to lukewarm temperature (around 110°F) to prevent killing the yeast.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine active dry yeast with warm milk mixture. Let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and activated.
- Add granulated sugar, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add remaining flour, kneading until a soft, elastic dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment and knead for about 6-7 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- After rising, punch down the dough and roll out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 18x12 inches.
- Spread softened butter evenly across the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture generously over the butter.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving slight space between each roll. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Remove rolls from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Spread cream cheese frosting generously over warm rolls.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the gooey, delicious cinnamon rolls!
Tips
- Yeast Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is lukewarm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it. Too hot, and your yeast won't rise; too cold, and it won't activate.
- Patience is Key: Allow sufficient rising time for your dough. This develops flavor and creates that soft, pillowy texture everyone loves.
- Rolling Technique: Use dental floss or a sharp knife when cutting rolls to maintain clean, even slices without squishing the dough.
- Frosting Hack: Apply cream cheese frosting while rolls are still warm for maximum absorption and flavor melding.
- Storage Tip: If not serving immediately, store rolls in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the microwave to restore that fresh-baked warmth and gooeyness.
- Customize Your Rolls: Experiment with adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even a hint of orange zest to the filling for a unique twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 70mg
