Here’s a classic Baked American Cinnamon Rolls recipe that’s soft, fluffy, and filled with cinnamon sugar goodness:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for thinning if needed)
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Dough
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the softened butter, eggs, flour, and salt.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes by hand or 3-4 minutes in a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
- Mix the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread the Filling:
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
- Roll and Slice:
- Starting from the longer side of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Second Rise:
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, cover, and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake:
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. If needed, thin it out with a little milk for a more spreadable consistency.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
- Frost the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Let the rolls cool for a few minutes, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
Enjoy:
These baked American cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and absolutely irresistible with their sweet cinnamon filling and cream cheese frosting!