Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

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

For the Filling:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Activate Yeast:

• In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2. Prepare Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with melted butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

3. Make Filling:

• In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.

4. Roll out the Dough:

• Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.

5. Add Filling:

• Spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.

6. Roll the Dough:

• Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll up the dough to form a log.

7. Cut into Rolls:

• Cut the rolled dough into 12-15 equal slices.

8. Arrange in Pan:

• Place the slices in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each.

9. Second Rise:

• Cover the pan with a cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes.

10. Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

11. Make Frosting:

• While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

12. Frost and Serve:

• Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting over them.

Enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon rolls!