Fluffy, bakery-style cinnamon rolls with a gooey cinnamon-brown sugar swirl and a silky cream cheese frosting—just like the mall favorite, made easily at home.
2tablespoonwhole milkfor frosting; add to desired consistency
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Bloom the yeast: In a large bowl, whisk warm milk with granulated sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let stand until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes.
Make the dough: Whisk in eggs and melted butter. Add 4.0 cups of the flour and the salt; stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Knead in the remaining 0.5 cup flour as needed until the dough is soft, smooth, and slightly tacky, 5 to 7 minutes.
First rise: Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, 60 to 90 minutes.
Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Soften the butter until spreadable.
Roll out: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 12x18 inch rectangle with the long side facing you.
Fill: Spread the softened butter over the dough to the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar evenly and gently press it into the butter.
Shape: Tightly roll up the dough from the long edge into a log, seam-side down. Trim the ends, then cut into 12 even rolls.
Pan and proof: Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Arrange the rolls cut-side up, cover, and let rise until puffy and touching, 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 F.
Bake: Bake at 350 F until lightly golden and set in the centers, 20 to 25 minutes. Do not overbake; the internal temperature should be about 190 F.
Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add milk a little at a time until silky and spreadable.
Finish: Spread frosting over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls. Serve warm.
Overnight option: After cutting, place rolls in the pan, cover, and refrigerate up to 16 hours. Bring to room temperature and proof until puffy, then bake as directed.
Notes
For clean cuts, use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife. If your kitchen is cool, proof rolls in an unheated oven with a bowl of hot water. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 4 days; rewarm before serving.