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Soft and Pillowy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, fluffy yeasted cinnamon rolls with a cream cheese glaze.
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 10 to 12 rolls

Ingredients
  

Dough

  • 1 cup warm milk about 110°F
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup melted butter or avocado oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour

Filling

  • ½ cup softened butter
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1½ tbsp cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp butter softened
  • ¾ to 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 to 3 tbsp milk to thin

Instructions
 

  • Activate the yeast: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  • Make the dough: Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix in flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead 5–7 minutes by hand (or 3–4 minutes in a mixer) until smooth and elastic.
  • First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours until doubled.
  • Roll + fill: Roll dough into a large rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture generously over the top.
  • Roll + cut: Roll tightly from the long edge. Using dental floss or a sharp knife, cut into 10–12 rolls.
  • Second rise: Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
  • Bake: Bake at 350°F for 22–25 minutes until just golden.
  • Glaze: Whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread generously over warm rolls.

Notes

Make-ahead: After cutting the rolls, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes and bake.