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Pillowy Soft Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Pillowy Soft Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

John
Imagine waking up to the smell of warm cinnamon and sugar. Your whole house feels cozy and sweet. This Pillowy Soft Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is the ultimate comfort food.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk around 110°F
  • 2 and 1/4 tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

  • 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2.5 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz softened cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup softened butter
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp milk

Instructions
 

Activate the Yeast

  • Pour warm milk into your large bowl. Add a tablespoon of sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. It should look foamy on top. This means the yeast is alive and ready to work.

Mix the Dough

  • Add the rest of the sugar, melted butter, and egg to the yeast. Stir well. Slowly add the flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. It will be slightly sticky but manageable.

Knead the Dough

  • Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes by hand. The dough should become smooth and bouncy. If it sticks too much, add a tiny bit of flour.

First Rise

  • Grease a clean bowl with oil. Place the dough inside and cover with a warm towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. It should double in size during this time.

Prepare the Filling

  • In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Ensure the butter for the filling is very soft. This makes it much easier to spread over the delicate dough later on.

Roll Out the Dough

  • Punch the dough down to release air. Roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Aim for about 12x18 inches. Make sure the thickness is even across the whole sheet.

Add Butter and Sugar

  • Spread the softened butter over the entire dough rectangle. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top. Leave a tiny border at the edges. This helps the rolls seal when you roll them.

Roll and Cut

  • Roll the dough tightly starting from the long edge. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut into 12 even pieces. Dental floss makes the cleanest cuts without squishing the soft dough.

Second Rise

  • Place the rolls into a greased 9x13 inch pan. Cover them again with the towel. Let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. They should look puffy and be touching each other.

Bake the Rolls

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes. They should look golden brown on top. Do not overbake them, or they will lose their softness.

Make the Frosting

  • While the rolls bake, whisk the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix until it is creamy and easy to pour. It smells absolutely heavenly.

Frost the Rolls

  • Let the rolls cool for only 5 minutes. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls. The heat will melt some frosting into the cracks. This keeps the rolls moist and flavorful inside.

Notes

  • Don't Over-Flour: Too much flour makes the rolls heavy and dry.
  • Warm Milk is Key: Use a thermometer to check the milk temperature. If it is too hot, it kills the yeast.
  • Overnight Option: You can shape the rolls and put them in the fridge overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning!
  • Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon filling for a nice crunch.
  • Fruit Twist: Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
  • Heavy Cream Hack: Pour 1/2 cup of warm heavy cream over the rolls before baking. This makes them extra gooey.
Keyword Pillowy Soft Cinnamon Rolls Recipe