Homemade cinnamon rolls are a treat that can make any morning special. Here’s a classic recipe for soft and gooey cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting:
Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for desired consistency)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (45°C).
- Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add the sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×21 inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered dough.
- Starting from the long edge, roll up the dough tightly into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in the greased baking dish.
- Cover and let the rolls rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Frost and Serve:
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
- Serve and enjoy!
These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them slightly before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste. Enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon rolls!
