Description
Indulge in the best-ever cinnamon rolls, made with pillowy-soft dough, cinnamon-sugar filling, and rich cream cheese icing. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe guarantees fluffy, gooey rolls!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 ⅓ cups whole milk (320g)
4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
5 cups all-purpose flour (650g)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
2 teaspoons salt
½ cup unsalted butter (113g), room temperature
For the Filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200g)
2 tablespoons cinnamon powder
¾ teaspoon salt
For Assembly & Baking:
½ cup heavy cream (120g), room temperature
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature (113g)
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (56g)
¼ cup heavy cream (60g)
1 cup icing sugar (100g)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
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Activate the Yeast:
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Microwave the milk for 20-30 seconds until warm to the touch (100-110°F). Add yeast and whisk. Let rest for 10 minutes until foamy.
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Combine the Dough Ingredients:
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Add sugar, flour, eggs, salt, and butter to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until it forms a shaggy dough.
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Step 2: Kneading the Dough
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By Hand:
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Knead dough on a floured surface for 15 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Avoid adding excess flour. The dough should stretch without tearing.
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Using a Stand Mixer:
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Use the dough hook attachment. Knead on medium-high for 7-10 minutes until smooth and stretchy (window-pane test).
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Step 3: Proof the Dough
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First Rise:
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Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with cling wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size. The dough should spring back partially when poked.
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Step 4: Prepare the Filling
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Make Cinnamon Filling:
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Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl until smooth and spreadable. If needed, microwave for a few seconds to soften.
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Step 5: Shape the Rolls
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Roll the Dough:
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Punch down the dough and roll it out to a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
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Spread the Filling:
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Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
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Cut the Rolls:
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Cut the dough into 12 equal strips (1 inch wide, 18 inches long). Roll each strip tightly into a roll.
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Step 6: Baking the Rolls
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Prepare the Baking Dish:
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Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Arrange rolls in a 4×3 formation. Cover and let them rest for 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
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Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the last 20 minutes of the rise.
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Add the Cream:
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Before baking, pour ½ cup of heavy cream over the rolls for extra softness.
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Bake:
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Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm. For a gooey texture, slightly underbake.
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Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
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Whisk Icing Ingredients:
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Beat together cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, and icing sugar until smooth.
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Step 8: Frost and Serve
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Frost the Rolls:
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Spread the icing over warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!
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Notes
- Sticky Dough:
- If dough is too sticky, add a little flour (1-2 tablespoons) but avoid adding too much to keep the soft texture.
- Freezing:
- Freeze unbaked rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake with final rise.
- Moisture Control:
- Pouring the heavy cream before baking ensures gooey, moist rolls. Don’t skip this step!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Brunch
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American, Breakfast, Dessert