Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon

Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls

These homemade cinnamon rolls are impossibly light, tender, and packed with a sweet cinnamon swirl. Topped with a rich cream cheese glaze, they’re perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or sweet treat.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

· ¾ cup warm whole milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
· 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
· ¼ cup granulated sugar
· 1 large egg, at room temperature
· ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
· 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
· 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

For the Filling:

· ⅓ cup unsalted butter, very soft
· ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
· 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
· 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
· Pinch of salt
· Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or raisins

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

· 4 oz cream cheese, softened
· ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
· 1 cup powdered sugar
· ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
· 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream, as needed

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
3. Add remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined.
4. Gradually add remaining flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead with a dough hook or by hand for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1½ hours, until doubled in size.
6. Shape the Rolls:
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
8. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, leaving a ½-inch border.
9. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle evenly over butter.
10. Roll up tightly from the long side into a log. Pinch seam to seal.
11. Using a serrated knife or dental floss, cut into 12 even rolls.
12. Second Rise & Bake:
13. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
14. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
15. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
16. Make the Glaze:
17. While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
18. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Thin with milk as needed.
19. Spread glaze over warm rolls just before serving.

Tips for Perfect Fluffy Rolls

· Temperature matters: Too-hot milk will kill yeast; too cold won’t activate it. Aim for bathwater warm.
· Don’t over-flour: A slightly sticky dough makes softer rolls.
· Rise time varies: If your kitchen is cool, let dough rise in a turned-off oven with the light on.
· For overnight rolls: After shaping, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.
· Keep them soft: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Flavor Variations

· Orange rolls: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the dough and glaze.
· Apple cinnamon: Mix ½ cup finely diced apples into the filling.
· Sticky buns: Add a caramel pecan layer to the baking dish before adding rolls.

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Enjoy these warm, soft, and irresistibly fluffy cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven—they’re worth every minute of waiting!