Description
This classic Cinnamon Roll recipe yields 12 soft, fluffy rolls filled with a rich cinnamon and brown sugar mixture, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, these rolls combine a tender dough with a sweet, spiced filling and a creamy glaze that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms, incorporating all ingredients thoroughly.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well blended to create the filling.
- Shape Rolls: Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, then roll it up tightly along the longer edge. Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Make Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk gradually, mixing to a creamy spreadable consistency.
- Frost Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls for a rich and luscious finish. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or substitute some milk with cream.
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture and taste.
- Cover the dough properly while rising to prevent drying out.
- If frosting is too thick, add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency.
