Delicious cinnamon rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a classic comfort food, combining a soft, pillowy dough with a sweet and spicy filling, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe will guide you through making homemade cinnamon rolls that are soft, gooey, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat. With a straightforward dough preparation and a simple cream cheese frosting, you’ll have warm, delicious cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup (180g) warm milk (whole milk or 2% preferred) (110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons quick rise or active yeast (1/4-ounce package)
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• ¼ cup (57g) butter, melted (salted or unsalted)
• 3 cups (360g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
• ¾ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ⅔ cup (142g) dark brown sugar (light brown sugar also works)
• 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (57g) butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz (112g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• ¾ cup (85g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) by microwaving it for 40-45 seconds until it’s like warm bath water.
   • Pour the warm milk into the bowl of an electric mixer. Sprinkle the yeast on top and add the sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
   • Stir in the flour and salt with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
2. Knead the Dough:
   • Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and knead the dough on medium speed for 8 minutes. The dough should form into a ball and be slightly sticky. If it’s too sticky, add 2 tablespoons more flour.
   • Alternatively, knead the dough by hand on a well-floured surface for 8-10 minutes.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
   • Transfer the dough ball to a well-oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a warm towel. Let it rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling:
   • After the dough has risen, roll it out on a well-floured surface into a 14×9 inch rectangle.
   • Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a ¼ inch margin on one edge.
   • In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough and rub it in gently.
5. Roll and Slice:
   • Roll the dough tightly from the 9-inch side. Pinch the seams to seal and cut off about an inch from each end to remove the less filled ends.
   • Slice the dough into 1-inch sections using a serrated knife or floss. You should get 9 large pieces.
6. Second Rise:
   • Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×9 inch baking pan or a round 9-inch cake pan. (Lining the pan with parchment paper can help with cleanup if any filling leaks out.)
   • Cover with plastic wrap and a warm towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
7. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and towel from the rolls.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are just slightly golden brown on the edges. Aim for a slight underbake to keep the centers soft.
8. Prepare the Frosting:
   • In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
9. Frost and Serve:
   • Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes before spreading with cream cheese frosting.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, gooey goodness!

Conclusion:

These homemade cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness. With a soft, buttery dough and a rich cream cheese frosting, each roll is a comforting and indulgent bite. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a special dessert, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household.