Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Ingredients

1/4 cup warm water
1 package active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
3/4 cup whole milk
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar (plus 1 teaspoon)
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 3/4 to 4 1/4 cups all purpose flour (divided)
2 eggs (room temperature)
Filling
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Frosting
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (or as needed)
4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Grease a 9x13 pan or baking dish.
  3. Combine the water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar in a small bowl. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes or until it becomes foamy.
  4. In a saucepan, combine the milk, butter, remaining granulated sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture to 120-130F using a thermometer.
  5. Place 2 cups of flour in a stand mixer. Add the eggs, milk mixture, and yeast mixture and mix until combined.
  6. Using a dough hook, add the flour cup at a time until the dough forms a soft ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Remove the dough from the bowl and knead it on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes).
  7. Place the dough in a greased bowl in a warm place and cover it with a towel for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  8. Roll the dough out into a 15" x 12" rectangle. Spread butter on the dough and top it with the brown sugar and cinnamon.
  9. Roll the dough up, starting on the long side. Cut it into 15 pieces and place them in the prepared pan.
  10. Cover rolls with a towel and allow them to rise 30-45 minutes.
  11. Brush rolls with milk and bake 20-25 minutes.
  12. While the rolls are baking, combine frosting ingredients with a mixer until fluffy
  13. Allow rolls to cool for about 10-15 minutes and spread frosting on warm rolls.

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