Who can resist the warm, gooey goodness of a freshly baked cinnamon roll? Whether you're indulging in a sweet breakfast treat or savoring it as a dessert, cinnamon rolls are a timeless favorite.
Today, we'll walk you through the steps to create the perfect cinnamon roll from scratch, ensuring that each bite is as delicious as the last.
Ingredients
**For the Dough:**
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
**For the Filling:**
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
**1. Prepare the Dough**
- Start by warming the milk to about 110°F (45°C). Stir in the yeast and sugar, and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes, either by hand or with a dough hook, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
**2. Create the Filling**
- While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling by combining the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until well combined and set aside.
**3. Roll and Fill the Dough**
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 16x12 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, making sure to cover the entire surface.
**4. Roll and Cut**
- Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
**5. Second Rise**
- Place the cinnamon roll slices into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
**6. Bake**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
**7. Prepare the Frosting**
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
**8. Frost and Serve**
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- **Proofing the Yeast:** Ensure your milk isn't too hot, as it can kill the yeast. The ideal temperature is between 105°F and 110°F.
- **Cutting the Rolls:** Using unflavored dental floss to cut the rolls ensures clean, even slices without squishing the dough.
- **Frosting:** If you prefer a thicker layer of frosting, feel free to double the frosting recipe.
With this recipe, you'll have the most delicious, fluffy cinnamon rolls ready to delight your family and friends. Happy baking!
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