Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

A Sweet Treat to Warm Your Heart

There’s nothing quite like fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls straight out of the oven. The warm, comforting aroma fills the air, instantly transporting me back to my childhood. This delectable treat holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of lazy weekend mornings spent with loved ones, savoring each sticky bite.

The origin of cinnamon rolls can be traced back to Sweden in the 1920s. They quickly gained popularity for their irresistible combination of sweet cinnamon sugar and fluffy dough. As the years passed, cinnamon rolls found their way into bakeries and kitchen tables around the world, becoming a beloved comfort food for many.

Ingredients:

• For the Rolls:
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk, warmed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• For the Filling:
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Making the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until frothy.
3. Add the egg and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
4. Add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
5. Place the dough on a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling and Assembling:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling.
2. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
3. Spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
5. Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
6. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased baking dish or a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll.
7. Cover the dish again with the kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

Baking and Frosting:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
6. Serve the rolls while still warm and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to make your cinnamon rolls even more delightful:

• If desired, you can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the filling.
• For a gooey caramel touch, spread a thin layer of caramel sauce on the dough before adding the cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Feel free to experiment with different spices in the filling, like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom.

Nutritional Facts: