The best, easiest, and gooiest cinnamon rolls that combine fluffy dough with a rich cinnamon filling, topped with cream cheese frosting.
Servings 12rolls
Prep Time 30 minutesmins
Cook Time 25 minutesmins
Total Time 1 hourhr55 minutesmins
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
1cupwhole milk (warmed to 110°F)Ensure milk is at the correct temperature to activate yeast.
2 1/4teaspoonsactive dry yeast1 standard packet.
1/4cupgranulated sugarDivided into parts.
1largeegg (plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature)
1/4cupunsalted butter (melted)For the dough.
3cupsall-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
1/2teaspoonsalt
Filling Ingredients
1/4cupunsalted butter (melted)For the filling.
1/2cuppacked brown sugar
1 1/2tablespoonsground cinnamon
Frosting Ingredients
4ouncescream cheese (softened)
2tablespoonsunsalted butter (softened)
1cuppowdered sugar
1/2teaspoonvanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
Warm the milk to 110°F. In a stand mixer bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Once the yeast is foamy, add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and egg yolk. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer, then add the flour and salt. Knead the dough on medium speed for 7-8 minutes until it is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Filling Preparation
While the dough is rising, mix the filling ingredients (melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon) in a small bowl until it forms a paste.
Shaping & Baking
Once the dough has risen, punch it down. On a floured surface, roll it into an 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled dough.
Tightly roll the dough into a log and use a sharp knife to cut it into 12 equal rolls. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they appear puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Once done, let them cool slightly.
Frosting
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until light and fluffy.
Serving
Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately for the best flavor experience.
Notes
Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.