Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

o In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

o Add the melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.

o Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

o Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

o In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if using) until it forms a spreadable paste.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

o After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16x12 inches.

o Evenly spread the filling mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

o Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.

o Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

4. Second Rise:

o Place the cut rolls into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each roll.

o Cover the dish with a cloth and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes until they have puffed up.

5. Bake:

o Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

o Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown.

6. Prepare the Frosting:

o While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.

o Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting is creamy and well combined.

7. Frost and Serve:

o Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

o Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.

o Serve and enjoy!

Additional Tips:

• Yeast Activation: Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter helps in achieving a smoother dough.

• Overnight Preparation: For convenience, you can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

Enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls!

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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Posted by Waivio guest: @waivio_jennadenise