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Best Cinnamon Rolls

Soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with creamy frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F) Ensure the milk is at the right temperature.
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter (divided) 1 Tbsp for the dough, 1 Tbsp for brushing.
  • 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus 2–4 Tbsp extra if needed) Add extra flour as needed if the dough is sticky.
Filling Ingredients
  • 6 Tbsp softened butter Mix with sugar and cinnamon.
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon Feel free to add more for extra flavor.
Frosting Ingredients
  • 4 Tbsp softened butter
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, egg, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, sugar, and salt. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes bubbly.
  2. Add in 3 cups of flour and stir well. If the dough is sticky, add extra flour one tablespoon at a time until it feels soft and slightly tacky.
  3. Knead the dough for 3 minutes on a floured surface.
  4. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Making the Filling
  1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
  2. Roll the risen dough into a rectangle approximately 17x10 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough.
  3. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 8 rolls.
Baking
  1. Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch pan. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Brush the rolls with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes.
Frosting
  1. For the frosting, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
  2. Spread this frosting over the rolls while they are still slightly warm.

Notes

These cinnamon rolls are best served warm, allowing the frosting to melt a little over the top. You can enjoy them straight from the oven or pair them with coffee or tea. They can also be refrigerated and warmed up for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. If storing longer, use an airtight container for 2-3 days.