Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and decadent homemade cinnamon rolls swirled with cinnamon and sugar, topped with creamy icing, perfect for breakfast or special occasions.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4-5 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup water Warm, not hot
- 1/2 cup whole milk Warm, not hot
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into 4 slices Softened
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
Filling Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, light or dark
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Icing Ingredients
- 4 oz full fat block cream cheese, room temperature
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour (to start), sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk to combine and set aside.
- In a medium microwave safe bowl or cup, combine water, milk, and sliced butter. Microwave in 10 second bursts until the butter just melts and the mixture feels warm but not hot.
- Whisk the egg into the water mixture to combine.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the flour mixture. Using a wooden spoon, mix together until you have a very thick and sticky dough.
- Add another 1 cup of flour to the dough and mix until it starts coming together into a ball.
- Knead the dough until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky, adding flour as necessary. Allow it to rest, covered, for about 20 minutes.
Rolling and Filling
- Roll the rested dough into a roughly 14x10 inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
- Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter.
- Roll up the dough from the longer side into a log and cut into 12 even rolls.
- Arrange rolls cut side up in a baking dish, cover, and allow to rise for about 45 minutes in a warm place.
Baking
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Icing
- Combine icing ingredients and cream together until smooth.
- Spread icing over warm cinnamon rolls.
Notes
Best served warm with coffee or fresh orange juice. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. Freeze individually wrapped for up to three months.