Soft Cinnamon Rolls

Prep Time 45 mins

Cook Time 26 mins

Total Time 1 hr 11 mins

Category: Desserts & Baking, Dawat & Eid Specials

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 10

Description

These soft cinnamon rolls feature a tender, fluffy dough wrapped around a sweet filling of dark brown sugar and warm cinnamon. Finished with a smooth cream cheese frosting, they make a comforting homemade treat for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion. Refrigerating the dough also offers flexibility when preparing them ahead of time.

Dough

¾ cup milk, warm (180 g)
2 ¼ tsp instant or active dry yeast (7 g)
¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
4 tbsp salted butter, melted and cooled (57 g)
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour — start with 330–340 g (360 g)
¾ tsp kosher salt
Olive oil, for greasing

Filling

4 tbsp salted butter, softened (57 g)
⅔ cup packed dark brown sugar (142 g)
1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese, softened (112 g)
¾ cup powdered sugar (85 g)
3 tbsp salted butter, softened
½ tsp vanilla

Instructions

1
Mix the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes if using active dry yeast. Instant yeast can be added directly to the flour.
2
Add the melted butter, egg, and egg yolk.
3
Mix in 330–340 g flour and salt. Add more flour only if needed.
4
Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–7 minutes in a mixer. The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky, not stiff.
5
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1–2 hours.
6
Gently deflate the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 18 hours.
7
Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
8
Roll the chilled dough into a 12 × 18-inch rectangle.
9
Spread the softened butter over the dough and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar.
10
Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a snug log. Pinch the seam closed.
11
Cut into 9–12 rolls and place in a greased 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
12
Cover and let rise at room temperature.
13
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
14
Bake for approximately 22–28 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and the centers are cooked through.
15
Do not overbake. The center should look set but still soft.
16
To make the cream cheese frosting, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and creamy.
17
Frost the cinnamon rolls.

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