CINNAMON ROLLS
Nothing beats homemade, warm cinnamon rolls out of the oven. This recipe is simplified so you can easily make it at home without a stand mixer or any fancy tools. Great for the holidays or a cozy weekend brunch.
Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes (45 of work time) | Difficulty: 3/5 | Servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
The Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp salt
¾ cup whole milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2-¼ tsp instant yeast (1 standard packet)
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
The Filling
3 tbsp unsalted butter, extra softened
⅓ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
The Frosting
4 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp butter, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Mix Dry Ingredients. Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients. Combine the milk and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 45 seconds or until the butter has melted and the mixture is warm to the touch. Whisk in the yeast until it has dissolved.
Pour your butter and milk mixture into the dry ingredients, add your eggs, and stir with a sturdy rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes (you can also use a stand mixer with a hook attachment on medium speed for about 5 minutes). Add more flour as you go if your dough is sticky. Your dough ball should be smooth.
Place your dough ball in a well-greased bowl, loosely cover, and let rest for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Once your dough is done resting, transfer to a well-floured surface and roll it out into a 14x9-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the dough, mix your sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle evenly over the dough, and then gently use your hands to spread evenly.
Tightly roll your dough to make a 14-inch log and seal the edges of the dough as best you can. Cut into 8-10 even rolls and then arrange in a baking dish. Loosely cover and let rise for another 45 minutes to an hour.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Uncover rolls and bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Make sure not to overcook so you get that perfect doughy center.
While your rolls are baking, add frosting ingredients to a bowl and beat using an electric mixer until fluffy.
Let your rolls rest 5-10 minutes before frosting, serve immediately and enjoy!
