There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, a scent that instantly conjures up memories of family gatherings and cozy mornings. One particular Saturday morning, I decided to recreate the warmth of my childhood by baking a batch of cinnamon rolls. As I kneaded the dough, I recalled the laughter of my family gathered around the breakfast table, eagerly awaiting the sweet rolls fresh from the oven. The joy of sharing food has always been a cherished tradition in our family, and these cinnamon rolls were the perfect centerpiece.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
½ cup milk, warmed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
For the Filling:
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is the moment where the magic begins as the yeast activates and fills the air with anticipation.
Add the eggs, salt, and flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. During this time, take a moment to enjoy the aroma of rising dough, a prelude to the deliciousness that awaits.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter for the filling evenly over the dough, followed by an even layer of brown sugar and a generous sprinkling of ground cinnamon. The combination of flavors is intoxicating, and I can already feel the excitement building!
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal, then slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place these rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space in between each one so they can expand. Cover the dish with the kitchen towel once more and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the smell fills your home with sweet nostalgia. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This frosting is the cherry on top of this delightful treat!
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before generously slathering the cream cheese frosting on top. The heat from the rolls will melt the frosting slightly, creating a luscious, gooey topping. Serve warm, and watch as faces light up with joy. These heavenly cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want to indulge in a little slice of happiness.
Enjoy every bite and remember, the best recipes are the ones shared with loved ones, creating memories one roll at a time!