Soft and Gooey Cinnamon Rolls
Indulge in these soft and gooey cinnamon rolls, filled with sweet cinnamon and a creamy icing, perfect for family gatherings and cozy mornings.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 large eggs At room temperature for an airy texture.
- 3/4 cup warm whole milk This adds moisture, giving the rolls a tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup honey Its natural sweetness enhances the dough's flavor.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour Forms the base of the dough, providing structure.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast Essential for that fluffy rise; no waiting needed.
- 2 teaspoons salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter Softened, it adds richness and silkiness.
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar For a warm, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon The star spice for that classic flavor.
- pinch salt Elevates the sweetness just right.
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter For brushing the dough before the filling.
Icing Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter Ensures a creamy frosting.
- 4 ounces cream cheese Creates a rich, tangy frosting.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Adds depth and warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness in the icing.
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar For that silky-smooth icing finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Grease a large bowl. In a large liquid measuring cup, combine the eggs, warm milk, and honey to create a delightful base.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle, mix the flour, instant yeast, and salt. This forms the foundational dough.
- Slowly add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients. With the mixer on low, add pieces of butter one at a time until fully incorporated. Increase the speed to medium until the dough is smooth and sticky.
Rising
- Transfer the sticky dough to the greased bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise for 30 minutes. After this, gently fold the dough over itself several times.
- Cover the bowl again and let rise for another 30 minutes. Repeat the folding process 3 more times, allowing the dough to grow fluffy over a total rise time of 2 hours.
- Tightly cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or up to 72 hours to develop flavors.
Baking
- On a floured surface, knead the cold dough a few times and then shape it into a ball. Cover it lightly with flour and let it come to room temperature.
- Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking pan, optionally lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt together.
- Roll the dough into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle. Brush it with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. Starting from the long side, roll it tightly and pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and place them cut side up in the greased pan. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 27 to 32 minutes until golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
Icing
- While the rolls are baking, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla and salt, then gradually mix in confectioners' sugar until creamy and fluffy.
- Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes before applying a thin layer of icing, using about one-third of the mixture. After cooling for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, top with the rest of the icing.
Serving
- Your Soft and Gooey Cinnamon Rolls are now ready to be served! They are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven.
Notes
For the best results, ensure that all your ingredients, especially the eggs and milk, are at room temperature. This helps the dough rise more effectively. Also, don’t skip the folding steps! This technique helps develop the gluten structure in your dough, ensuring a beautifully fluffy texture. Always use fresh instant yeast to achieve the desired rise in your rolls.