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Classic Cinnamon Rolls

Delight in soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with creamy icing—perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 375

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour The foundation of your dough, creating a soft and fluffy texture.
  • 1/2 cup sugar Adds a touch of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp) The magical leavening agent that brings these rolls to life.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F) Creates a tender dough and assists the yeast in rising.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened Provides richness and flavor to the dough.
  • 1 large egg Acts as a binding agent, enriching the texture.
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Filling Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed Creates a caramel-like filling that melts into the dough.
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon The spice that brings all the comforting flavors together.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for spreading) Necessary for the delectable filling that holds it all together.
Icing Ingredients
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened The smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for icing) Further enhances the delightful flavor of the icing.
  • 2 tbsp milk (for icing) Lightens the frosting for easy spreading.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently until the yeast dissolves and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
  3. Add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract into the flour mixture. Stir until just combined.
  4. Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Assembly
  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a rectangular shape, approximately 16x12 inches, on a floured surface.
  2. Spread the melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the buttered surface.
  3. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces.
  4. Place the cinnamon rolls into the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are snug against one another.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through.
  2. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing by beating together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
  3. Once the cinnamon rolls are baked and slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese icing over the top. Serve warm.

Notes

To keep your freshly baked cinnamon rolls deliciously soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls and bake them fresh later.