Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (more as needed)

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. Warm the milk in the microwave or on the stove until it’s about 110°F (warm, but not hot).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. Add the melted butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and salt. Stir to combine.
4. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Once it starts to form a dough, knead it for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together to form a spreadable paste. Add vanilla extract and nutmeg if using.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

1. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a 16×12 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
2. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll the dough up tightly from the long side, forming a log.
4. Cut the roll into 12 even slices and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.

4. Let the Rolls Rise:

1. Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes or until puffed up.

5. Bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

6. Prepare the Icing:

1. While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk together in a medium-sized bowl until smooth and creamy.

7. Glaze and Serve:

1. Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese icing over the top.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!