Craving the warm, gooey goodness of freshly baked cinnamon rolls? Look no further! This recipe for homemade Cinnabon-style cinnamon rolls will transport you to pastry paradise. With a soft, pillowy dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a sweet treat. Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar with these decadent delights!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- Milk: 1 cup (280 grams)
- Sugar: 1/3 cup (80 grams)
- Active dry yeast: 0.7 ounces (20 grams)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (3 grams)
- Large egg: 1 (60 grams)
- All-purpose flour: 4 cups (540 grams)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams)
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (60 grams)
For the Filling:
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1/4 cup (60 grams)
- Brown sugar: 1 cup (180 grams)
- Ground cinnamon: 4 teaspoons
For the Frosting:
- Cream cheese: 8 ounces (250 grams)
- Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup (60 grams)
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (17 grams)
- Milk: 3 tablespoons (50 grams)
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In warm milk, dissolve a teaspoon of sugar and add the yeast. Mix well until the yeast is fully dissolved, and let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
In a bowl, beat the egg (slightly beaten), a pinch of salt, the remaining sugar, and vanilla sugar. Add melted butter (melt it gently on low heat, in a water bath, or in the microwave). Mix well.
Gradually add sifted flour. Stir first with a whisk or spoon, then transfer the dough to a work surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Note: You may need slightly more or less flour than specified in the recipe; this is normal.
Transfer the dough to a deep bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place. After an hour, knead the dough again, place it in a bowl, cover, and let it rise for another 30–40 minutes until doubled in size.
Roll and Fill:
Roll out the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
Mix sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the entire surface of the dough with the mixture.
Roll the dough into a tight log. Cut the log into small rolls about 1 1/2–2 inches thick. For clean cuts, use thread: slide it under the roll, cross the ends, and pull.
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Let them rest for 20–30 minutes. Then, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare the Frosting:
Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a little milk. Mix well until smooth.
Serve:
Pour the frosting over the warm rolls. The frosting will melt and seep between the layers, making them even more delicious.
Enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls straight from the oven, and indulge in their heavenly taste!
