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Nothing beats the warm aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Making them at home allows you to enjoy a delicious treat customized to your taste. This guide will walk you through the process of making homemade cinnamon rolls with creamy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients Needed
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- For the frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread softened butter over the dough, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
3. Roll and Cut
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place the slices in a greased baking dish, leaving space between them. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and continue beating until creamy. Spread generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Enjoy Your Homemade Cinnamon Rolls!
Serve the cinnamon rolls warm for the best experience. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat with family and friends!