Perfect Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (to thin)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Make the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, salt, egg, and the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, starting with 3 1/2 cups, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
   Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
4. First Rise:
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Filling:
   In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. If using nuts, stir them in.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
7. Spread the Filling:
   Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Roll and Cut:
   Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12-15 equal pieces.
9. Second Rise:
   Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffed.
10. Bake:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Make the Frosting:
    While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
12. Frost the Rolls:
    Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly, then spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.

Tips

• For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
• You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them after the second rise; just let them come to room temperature before baking.

Enjoy your perfectly fluffy cinnamon rolls!