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Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Everyone Will Love

Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Everyone Will Love

Soft, fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls filled with buttery brown sugar and cinnamon, then topped with smooth cream-cheese frosting. This recipe makes 12 generously sized rolls.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 cup warm whole milk
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened or melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus a little extra if needed
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
Cinnamon Filling
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Cream-Cheese Frosting
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Stir the warm whole milk, active dry yeast, and a small portion of the granulated sugar together. Let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
  2. Mix in the remaining sugar, butter, eggs, and salt. Add the flour gradually until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough by hand for 5–8 minutes or with a dough hook for 4–5 minutes, until smooth. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
  4. Roll the risen dough into an approximately 12 x 18-inch rectangle. Spread it with the softened filling butter, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon before rolling tightly from the long side.
  5. Cut the log into 12 even pieces and arrange them in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 20–30 minutes, until puffy.
  6. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through in the center. Avoid overbaking because the rolls continue to firm as they cool.
  7. Beat the frosting butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beat again, and spread the frosting over the warm, slightly cooled rolls.

Notes

Use milk between 105–115°F; liquid hotter than about 120°F can damage active yeast. Keep the dough slightly tacky rather than adding too much flour. Unflavored dental floss makes clean slices. Store covered and refrigerate any leftovers topped with cream-cheese frosting.