Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. These Heavenly Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that will make your mornings feel special and warm your heart. Soft, fluffy, and sweet, these rolls are the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion, prepare to impress your family and friends with this delectable recipe!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (as needed for frosting consistency)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, warm the whole milk and melted butter until it’s just lukewarm. Add the eggs to the milk mixture and whisk until well combined.
- Pour the milk mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, roll out the dough into a rectangle shape on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the dough.
- Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log shape and cut it into 12 equal slices.
- Arrange the cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish, cover them, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the rolls have risen, bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
- While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before generously frosting them with the cream cheese icing.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a dash of nutmeg to the filling mixture. If you want to make the rolls ahead of time, you can prepare them up to the second rise, cover them, and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Just allow them to come to room temperature before baking!
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough is a crucial step in developing gluten, which gives the cinnamon rolls their delightful texture. Also, letting the dough rise in a warm place is essential for a light, airy pastry. Keep an eye on them while baking, as oven temperatures can vary; you’re aiming for that perfect golden-brown color!
FAQ
Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
No problem! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving!
What’s the best way to reheat cinnamon rolls?
Reheat your rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also pop them in the microwave in short intervals, but be careful not to overheat them.
Conclusion
These Heavenly Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are sure to become a staple in your home recipe collection. With their tender crumb and indulgent frosting, each bite is a little piece of heaven. Enjoy this labor of love with family and friends, and savor the memorable moments they bring!