The Best Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls have long been celebrated as a beloved breakfast or dessert item, often synonymous with comfort and indulgence. The mere thought of a warm, gooey cinnamon roll fresh from the oven, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, can evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth. These delightful pastries have become a staple in bakeries and homes alike, transcending generations and creating cherished family traditions. Whether enjoyed during lazy weekend brunches, special occasions, or even as an afternoon treat, cinnamon rolls captivate with their irresistible aroma, soft texture, and sweet flavor.

Discover the joy of baking with this ultimate cinnamon rolls recipe! These soft, fluffy rolls are filled with warm cinnamon and topped with delicious cream cheese frosting, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Learn the step-by-step techniques to create a nostalgic treat that’s sure to impress family and friends. Bring your kitchen to life with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls! #CinnamonRolls #Baking #Homemade #ComfortFood #Recipe

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast

½ cup granulated sugar

1 tsp salt

1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

For the Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

½ cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1-2 tbsp milk (to achieve desired consistency)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Mix the Ingredients:

Add the eggs, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the milk mixture. Mix until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional nuts and raisins until well combined.

Roll Out the Dough:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.

Spread the Filling:

Evenly spread the filling over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Roll and Cut:

Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.

Second Rise:

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish (9x13) or on a lined baking sheet. Cover them and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the Rolls:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Prepare the Frosting:

While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla in a bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Adjust consistency with milk as necessary.

Frost the Rolls:

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.

Serve:

Enjoy these delicious cinnamon rolls warm, drizzled with extra frosting if desired!

Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 2 hrs | Servings: 12 rolls