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Soft and Gooey Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

A close-up, mouth-watering shot of a fluffy, baked cinnamon roll generously topped with dripping white icing.
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Follow this recipe for rich, yeasted cinnamon rolls that are soft, fluffy, and topped with a sweet cream cheese glaze. This recipe yields bakery-quality results.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 105-115°F
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1/4 cup for filling
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, plus 1/2 cup for filling
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm milk and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in the 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter, eggs, flour, and salt into the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. While the dough rises, prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup softened butter until well combined.
  6. Punch down the risen dough. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches.
  7. Spread the cinnamon-butter filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge.
  8. Tightly roll the dough up starting from the long edge opposite the border. Pinch the seam closed.
  9. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
  10. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes.
  11. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze: Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk if the glaze is too thick.
  13. Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For the softest rolls, make sure your milk is warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot that it kills it.
  • Do not skip the second rise; this step creates the light, airy texture you want.
  • If you want a thinner glaze, add a little more milk to the mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/best-cinnamon-roll-recipe-soft-gooey/