Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, pillowy yeasted cinnamon rolls swirled with a buttery brown sugar-cinnamon filling and topped with a rich cream cheese glaze. A weekend baking project worth every minute of proofing time.

By YumYum Editorial · Baking & Desserts

Prep: 30 min · Cook: 25 min · Total: 55 min · Serves 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more softened for filling
• 1 large egg
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp of the sugar; let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Whisk in melted butter, egg, and remaining sugar, then stir in flour and salt to form a shaggy dough.
3. Knead 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic (by hand or stand mixer with a dough hook).
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
5. Roll dough into a 16x12-inch rectangle, spread with softened butter, and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
6. Roll tightly into a log from the long edge, slice into 12 rolls, and place in a greased 9x13-inch pan.
7. Cover and let rise again 30-45 minutes until puffy, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22-25 minutes until golden.
8. Whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk into a smooth glaze; drizzle generously over warm rolls before serving.