Introduction
If you’re looking for a delightful treat to cozy up with, these House Favorite Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are sure to be a hit! Imagine the aroma of warm, freshly baked rolls wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table. Each bite offers a tender dough filled with a rich blend of cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just an indulgent snack, these rolls are a delicious way to show love to your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix these ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the butter mixture, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
- Gradually add in 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until you form a soft dough. If your dough seems too sticky, sprinkle in more flour as needed.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, then evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the top.
- Starting from the long side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
- Cut the rolled-up dough into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting on top.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for added texture and flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness of the frosting by adding more or less powdered sugar to match your preference. These cinnamon rolls are best served warm, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days – if they last that long!
Cooking Techniques
Noodling your dough with love is key to a perfect texture. Make sure to knead until it’s elastic to trap in air for that fluffy roll. When rolling out your dough, a light dusting of flour can help prevent sticking, ensuring your rolls take shape beautifully. And remember, patience is a virtue as your dough rises – it’s all part of creating those light and airy rolls!
FAQ
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise (step 10), cover them, and place them in the refrigerator overnight. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature and rise for an additional 30 minutes before baking.
What if I don’t have yeast?
If you’re in a pinch, you can use a quick cinnamon roll recipe that uses baking powder instead of yeast, but the texture will be different – more like a biscuit. For the best results, stick with yeast for these classic rolls!
Conclusion
These House Favorite Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are more than just a recipe; they’re a heartfelt tradition that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Once you’ve tasted that warm, gooey goodness, you’ll understand why they are cherished in so many homes. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and let the delightful baking adventure begin!