Cinnamon Rolls

Dough Ingredients:

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 45°C)

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

⅓ cup granulated sugar

2 eggs (room temp)

6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

Filling:

1 cup brown sugar (packed)

2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

1–1½ cups powdered sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

1–2 tbsp milk (for thinning, optional)

Instructions:

Activate Yeast:

In a bowl, mix warm milk and sugar.

Add yeast, stir gently, and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Make Dough

In a large bowl, combine yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, flour, and salt.

Mix until a dough forms, then knead (by hand or mixer) for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours (until doubled in size).

Prepare Filling

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon.

Set aside softened butter separately.

Roll and Fill

Roll dough into a 16x12 inch rectangle on a floured surface.

Spread butter over dough, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Roll tightly from the long edge. Slice into 12 even rolls.

Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.

Make Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.

Thin with milk if needed.

Frost and Enjoy!

Spread frosting over warm (not hot) rolls so it melts slightly.

Serve warm and enjoy the cozy cinnamon swirl!