cinnamon rolls recipe

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat! Here’s a classic recipe to make them from scratch:

Ingredients

Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and stir. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
4. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well blended.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

1. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
2. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll and Slice: Roll the dough up tightly from the long edge, then slice it into 12-15 rolls.
4. Place in Pan: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round pans.

4. Bake the Rolls:

1. Let Rise Again: Cover the rolls and let them rise for about 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Bake: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

5. Prepare the Frosting:

1. Mix the Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Frost and Serve:

1. Frost the Rolls: Spread the frosting over the warm rolls. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or at room temperature!

Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding nuts, raisins, or other ingredients to the filling if you like. Happy baking!