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Cozy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with a tangy cream cheese glaze, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or special occasions. Easy to make with simple ingredients and a quick rise time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk (110°F/43°C) with active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in a large bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, remaining sugar, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add flour about 1 cup at a time until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough using a stand mixer with dough hook on medium speed for 6-8 minutes or by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside softened butter for spreading.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 15×9-inch rectangle.
  7. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture on top, pressing lightly.
  8. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls about 1.5 inches thick using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  9. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, leaving space between each. Cover loosely and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and centers are set but soft.
  11. While baking, beat cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy.
  12. Remove rolls from oven and immediately spread cream cheese glaze over warm rolls. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use milk warmed to about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Avoid overheating milk above 120°F to prevent killing yeast. Use dental floss to slice rolls for neat edges. Rotate pan halfway through baking for even browning. Spread cream cheese glaze while rolls are hot for best melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, soft cinnamon rolls, cream cheese glaze, breakfast recipe, brunch, easy cinnamon rolls

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/cozy-homemade-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-easy-soft-gooey-layers/