Description
These Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate cinnamon rolls – they’re easy to make, only require one rise time, are ultra soft and gooey. Each cinnamon roll is filled with a buttery brown sugar cinnamon swirl that has just the right amount of cinnamon and extra brown sugar to create a delicious gooey center. These rolls freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time, making them great for special get togethers, brunches and holidays.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup warm whole milk (warmed to 110F) (240 grams)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant dry yeast (7 grams)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (3 grams)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (56.7 grams)
After Rising:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Filling:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, semi-melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (165 grams)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (8 grams)
Icing:
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar (115 grams)
Instructions
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, or a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients for dough to mixing bowl.
2. Knead the dough on medium-low speed for 5 minutes.
3. Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl. Spray top of dough with nonstick spray, then cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise for 45 minutes in a warm place. I like to turn my oven on. Once it reaches 100F, I turn the oven off and allow the covered dough to rise in the warm oven.
4. Meanwhile make the cinnamon sugar filling. In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.
5. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the brown sugar cinnamon filling over the dough. If the filling is not spreading easily, scoop it up and place it in your bowl. Microwave a few seconds to soften the butter again. Spread over the entire rectangle.
6. Roll dough, starting at short edge, into a cylinder. Using a serrated knife, cut into 9 rolls. Place in lightly greased 9×9 inch pan.
7. Pour the heavy cream over the tops of the cinnamon rolls. Place pan on top of the oven while the oven preheats to 350F. The warm oven will allow for the rolls to rise slightly while the oven preheats.
8. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the tops of the rolls are lightly golden brown.
9. While the rolls bake, make the frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add in powdered sugar until combined. Beat until icing is smooth and creamy.
10. Allow rolls to cool 5-10 minutes before spreading frosting over rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Instant Yeast – This recipe calls for instant yeast. Instant yeast does not need an activation time. I still like to add the yeast to the milk and sugar and let it sit for 30 seconds to a minute or so, while I’m measuring the flour. However, it does not need this activation time. That’s the benefit of instant yeast. It works instantly. Just make sure you keep the warm milk between a temperature of 108-112F.
- Can I use Active Dry Yeast? Yes! You certainly can. Substitute the active dry yeast for instant yeast in a 1:1 ratio. You will need to activate the active dry yeast. To do this, simply add the yeast to your warm milk (keep the milk between 108-112F) and sugar. Whisk to combine, then allow to sit for 5-10 minutes. The surface of the yeast should be frothy in appearance and you should be able to smell the yeast smell. Active dry yeast does tend to rise a bit slower, so I recommend adding an extra 10 minutes on to the rise time.
- Freezing the rolls – After baking the cinnamon rolls, allow them to fully cool to room temperature. Once they are cool, place them in a zip-top bag and close. Place in your freezer until they are ready to use. The night before you are ready to eat these, place them in the refrigerator to thaw. You can reheat the cinnamon rolls in your oven or in the microwave. Make the icing fresh and spread over top of the warm rolls.
- Prep Time: 10
- Rise Time: 45
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American