Jumbo Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk (warm to the touch to bloom yeast)
• 2.25 tsp active dry yeast (one standard packet)
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 0.5 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 stick unsalted butter (melted; for the dough)
• 1 tsp Mexican vanilla extract (or standard vanilla extract)
• 4.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened; for the filling)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed; for the filling)
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon (for the filling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for the filling)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened; for frosting)
• 2 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened; for frosting)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (the secret ingredient; poured over rolls before baking)

Steps

1. 1

   In a small bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy and 'bloomed'.

2. 2

   Pour the bloomed yeast mixture into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.

3. 3

   Add the granulated sugar, two eggs, and Greek yogurt to the yeast mixture.

4. 4

   Melt one stick of butter in the microwave and add it to the bowl along with a splash of Mexican vanilla extract.

5. 5

   Add 4.5 cups of flour to the wet ingredients.

6. 6

   Turn on the mixer, alternating between medium and low speeds, until a nice, slightly sticky dough forms.

7. 7

   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour, or until it has doubled in size.

8. 8

   While the dough rises, prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until well combined.

9. 9

   Prepare the frosting by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and softened butter until the consistency is smooth and creamy. Set aside.

10. 10

    Once the dough has doubled, turn it out onto a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out into a large rectangle.

11. 11

    Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, ensuring you cover every spot.

12. 12

    Cut the dough into strips and roll them up tightly to form jumbo cinnamon rolls.

13. 13

    Place the rolls into a baking pan. Pour heavy cream over the top of the rolls; this keeps them moist and soft during baking.

14. 14

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

15. 15

    Bake the cinnamon rolls for approximately 25 minutes until they are golden brown.

16. 16

    Remove from the oven and, while still warm, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the rolls.

Notes

The heavy cream poured over the rolls before baking is the 'secret ingredient' that mimics high-end bakery styles, ensuring the rolls stay soft and don't dry out in the oven.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• breakfast
• baking
• cinnamon rolls
• jumbo
• comfort food
• sweet