Classic Cinnamon Rolls

Here's a detailed recipe for Classic Cinnamon Rolls with a rich and gooey cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients:

Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (optional, for thinning)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
• Mix the Dough: Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
• Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
• Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the filling.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

• Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 16x12 inches.
• Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the rolled-out dough.
• Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
• Cut into Rolls: Cut the log into 12 equal slices (about 1 ½ inches thick). Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar size pan.

4. Second Rise:

• Cover the rolls with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let them rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

5. Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

6. Prepare the Frosting:

• While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk to reach your desired consistency.

7. Frost and Serve:

• Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve warm.

Enjoy these soft, gooey cinnamon rolls as a delightful breakfast or dessert!