Ingredients
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F or 43°C)
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for spreading)
Instructions
Creating The Best Cinnamon Rolls is a simple yet rewarding process. Follow these steps to achieve baking perfection:
1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.
2. Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and activated yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
3. Form Dough: Gradually add remaining flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.
7. Roll Out Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16×24 inches.
8. Spread Butter: Use your fingers or a spatula to spread the room-temperature butter over the rolled-out dough.
9. Add Filling: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough.
10. Roll Up: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
11. Cut Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
12. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Place the rolls in the dish, spaced apart.
13. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
14. Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
15. Bake Rolls: Once risen, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
16. Cool Briefly: Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
17. Make Frosting: While the rolls cool, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
18. Top with Frosting: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls for an ooey-gooey topping.
By following these steps, you will soon have golden rolls that are soft, sweet, and utterly delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 rolls
- Calories: 300 kcal per roll
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 5g