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The Best Cinnamon Rolls


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  • Author: Chef sara
  • Total Time: 3 hours (including rise and bake time)
  • Yield: 12 rolls
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. Activate the Yeast:

    • 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.

  2. Combine the Dough Ingredients:

    • Add sugar, flour, eggs, salt, and butter to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until it forms a shaggy dough.

Step 2: Kneading the Dough

  1. By Hand:

    • Knead dough on a floured surface for 15 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Avoid adding excess flour. The dough should stretch without tearing.

  2. Using a Stand Mixer:

    • Use the dough hook attachment. Knead on medium-high for 7-10 minutes until smooth and stretchy (window-pane test).

Step 3: Proof the Dough

  1. First Rise:

    • 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.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

  1. Make Cinnamon Filling:

    • Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl until smooth and spreadable. If needed, microwave for a few seconds to soften.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

  1. Roll the Dough:

    • Punch down the dough and roll it out to a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.

  2. Spread the Filling:

    • Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.

  3. Cut the Rolls:

    • Cut the dough into 12 equal strips (1 inch wide, 18 inches long). Roll each strip tightly into a roll.

Step 6: Baking the Rolls

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish:

    • 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.

  2. Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the last 20 minutes of the rise.

  3. Add the Cream:

    • Before baking, pour ½ cup of heavy cream over the rolls for extra softness.

  4. Bake:

    • Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm. For a gooey texture, slightly underbake.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

  1. Whisk Icing Ingredients:

    • Beat together cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, and icing sugar until smooth.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

  1. Frost the Rolls:

    • Spread the icing over warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!

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