Step 1: Activate the yeast
Pour the warm milk into a large bowl. Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the dough
Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix well.
Gradually add the flour, about ½ cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly tacky but not excessively sticky.
Step 3: Knead the dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the filling
While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
Step 5: Roll out the dough
Once risen, gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Roll it into a rectangle approximately 15 × 10 inches.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture generously over the butter.
Step 6: Roll and slice
Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into approximately 10–12 equal rolls.
Step 7: Arrange the rolls
Place the rolls into a greased 9 × 13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
Cover and allow them to rise again for approximately 30–45 minutes, until noticeably puffy.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the cinnamon rolls for approximately 22–28 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the centers are cooked through.
Avoid overbaking so the rolls stay soft and fluffy.
Step 9: Make the icing
While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the milk until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency.
Step 10: Ice while warm
Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool for about 5–10 minutes.
Spread the creamy icing generously over the warm rolls and let it melt into all those delicious cinnamon layers.
Serve warm and enjoy the soft, gooey center with a cup of coffee, tea, or cold milk.
These cinnamon rolls are perfect for a cozy breakfast, weekend brunch, holiday morning, or comforting homemade dessert. The combination of fluffy dough, buttery cinnamon filling, and creamy icing makes them almost impossible to resist.
Would you eat one warm from the oven? 😋🍥
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