These homemade cinnamon rolls are fluffy, sweet, and filled with gooey cinnamon goodness, topped with a creamy icing. Perfect for brunch or family breakfasts.
In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together and set the bowl aside.
In a medium bowl, mix the warm water, whole milk, and sliced unsalted butter. Microwave gently until the butter melts and becomes warm to touch.
Whisk the large egg into the warm liquid mixture until fully combined.
Pour the warm wet ingredients over the flour mixture. Stir together until a thick dough forms, ensuring no dry flour remains.
Add the remaining flour a little at a time until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky. Knead the dough on a floured surface until elastic, then cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
Rolling and Shaping
Roll the dough into a 14x10 inch rectangle.
Spread the very soft unsalted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon mixture on top of the butter.
Starting from one long side, roll the dough into a log shape. Cut the log into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or kitchen string.
Place the rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 45 minutes in a warm spot.
While the rolls rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Baking
Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Icing
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Spread the warm icing on top of the rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients to ensure the best results.
Don’t overwork the dough and watch the baking time closely to prevent overbaking.