Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 500 g White flour (sifted)
• 250 ml Warm milk
• 70 g Sugar
• 70 g Soft butter (for the dough)
• 1 Egg
• 1 tbsp Instant yeast (heaping)
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Vanilla extract (optional but recommended for flavor)
• 50 g Soft butter (for the filling)
• 0.5 cup Brown sugar (for the filling)
• 1 tbsp Ground cinnamon (for the filling)
• Heavy cream (to pour over rolls before baking)
• 100 g Cream cheese (such as Philadelphia, for icing)
• 30 g Soft butter (for icing)
• 0.5 cup Powdered sugar (for icing)
• 0.5 tsp Vanilla extract (for icing)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy and active.

2. 2

   Add the egg, soft butter, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir well until the ingredients are fully combined.

3. 3

   Gradually add the sifted flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Knead the mixture until a soft dough forms that does not stick excessively to your hands.

4. 4

   Knead the dough for approximately 7–10 minutes, either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook, until smooth and elastic.

5. 5

   Place the dough in a bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.25 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

6. 6

   Prepare the filling by mixing the 50g soft butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.

7. 7

   Roll out the dough, spread the filling evenly, and roll it up. Cut into individual pieces and arrange them in a greased baking pan.

8. 8

   Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for a second time for 20–30 minutes.

9. 9

   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

10. 10

    Just before baking, pour a quantity of heavy cream over the rolls in the pan.

11. 11

    Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are just slightly golden. Be careful not to overbake so they remain soft.

12. 12

    While the rolls bake, prepare the icing by mixing the cream cheese, 30g soft butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy.

13. 13

    Pour the cream cheese icing over the cinnamon rolls while they are still warm.

Notes

Pouring heavy cream over the rolls before baking is a secret tip for making them extra gooey and soft. Ensure the rolls are still warm when applying the icing so it melts slightly into the swirls.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• breakfast
• cinnamon rolls
• baked
• sweet
• bread
• comfort food