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Cozy Sunday Afternoon Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch

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Soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls made from scratch with a rich dough, cinnamon sugar filling, and cream cheese icing. Perfect for cozy afternoons and weekend breakfasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet or 7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed (around 110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ⅔ cup (135g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened but not melted
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream, to reach desired consistency

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups (375g) flour and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix on low speed or stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Gradually add remaining ½ cup (65g) flour and knead for 7-10 minutes until dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Add flour sparingly if too sticky.
  4. Shape dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside softened butter for spreading.
  6. Punch down risen dough and roll out on floured surface into a 15×9-inch rectangle.
  7. Spread softened butter evenly over dough, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture on top, pressing gently to stick.
  8. Roll dough tightly from long edge into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices about 1 ½ inch thick.
  9. Place rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving space between each. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Optionally cover with foil halfway through baking for extra gooeyness.
  11. While baking, beat cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust milk for drizzle consistency.
  12. Remove rolls from oven, cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle icing generously on top. Serve warm.

Notes

Use warm milk (110°F) to activate yeast without killing it. Avoid over-flouring dough to keep rolls soft. Double rising is essential for airy texture. If rolls brown too fast, tent with foil after 15 minutes. Use room temperature eggs and butter for better dough consistency. Dough can be refrigerated overnight after kneading. Rolls can be frozen after cutting and placed in pan; thaw overnight before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, soft cinnamon rolls, cream cheese icing, breakfast pastries, easy cinnamon rolls, cozy treats

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/cozy-sunday-afternoon-cinnamon-rolls-from-scratch-easy-recipe-for-perfect-soft-treats/