Description
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a sweet, cinnamon-infused swirl and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfectly baked to golden brown, these rolls offer a comforting breakfast or holiday treat, highlighting the warm and aromatic essence of cinnamon.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110-120F) (240mL)
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar (63g)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (.25oz/7g packet)
- 4⅔ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting (560g))
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted (113g))
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Filling:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature (85g))
- ½ cup light brown sugar (110g)
- 1½ tablespoons cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature (113g))
- 2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar (240g)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
For the Dough:
- In a sizable mixing bowl or a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit until it becomes foamy, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the remaining ingredients, mixing on low speed until the mixture begins to combine. Then, increase to medium-low speed and knead until the dough is springy and slightly tacky, without sticking to your fingers, for approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Move the dough to a large bowl that has been lightly oiled. Cover it and let it rise in a warm area (around 75F) until it has doubled in size, which will take about 1½ to 2 hours.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with butter or baking spray.
- Place the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle measuring roughly 12×24 inches.
For the Filling:
- Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough, ensuring to leave a ½-inch border along one long edge. (Ensure your butter is very soft; if it’s too firm, microwave it in 5-second bursts until it can be easily spread.)
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture over the buttered surface.
- Starting from the long edge opposite the unbuttered side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal sections (about 2 inches wide) using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss.
- Arrange the rolls cut side down in the prepared baking dish, spaced evenly apart. Cover loosely and allow them to rise in a warm location until they are nearly doubled in size, which should take about 1 hour.
- While the rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 350F.
- Once risen, uncover the rolls and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are lightly browned on top. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool.
For the Glaze:
- While the rolls bake, mix the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until combined. If you desire a thinner glaze, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk.
- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, apply a third of the glaze over the warm rolls. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes, then add the remaining glaze on top. These rolls are best served warm but can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Notes
TECHNIQUE TIP: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it stretches evenly without sticking.
STORAGE: Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
SUBSTITUTION: If you prefer, replace light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 504 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 359 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 74 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 68 mg