Indulge in the ultimate homemade cinnamon rolls, featuring soft, fluffy dough filled with a luscious cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a rich cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these cinnamon rolls are irresistibly gooey and full of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this step-by-step recipe will help you create the best cinnamon rolls you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes by hand or using a dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (approximately 16×12 inches).
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Shape the Rolls:
- Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown on top.
- Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, and mix until the glaze is creamy and spreadable.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before generously spreading the cream cheese glaze over the top. Serve warm for the best flavor.