How to Make Soft, Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze
There’s something magical about waking up to the sweet, comforting aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. These soft, gooey delights with their delicious cream cheese glaze are a favorite for many, and guess what? You can make them at home, filling your kitchen with warmth and your tummy with joy. Here’s a simple guide on how to whip up some scrumptious cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
– 1 cup warm milk (not hot!)
– 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (a standard packet)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs, room temperature
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
– 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Yeast Activation
Start by getting your yeast activated. Pour the warm milk into a large bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top. Give it a quick stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it looks foamy. This is how you know your yeast is alive and ready to make your dough rise.
Step 2: Making the Dough
To your yeast mixture, add the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Give everything a quick mix. Then, start adding your flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. When the dough starts to form, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Put your dough ball into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: The Filling
While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for your filling. Also, make sure your butter is softened and ready to spread.
Step 4: Shaping the Rolls
Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently, then turn it out onto a floured surface again. Roll it into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the softened butter all over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top. Starting from one long side, roll the dough up tightly, then slice it into 12 even sections.
Place these rolls in a greased baking dish, slightly spaced apart. Cover them again with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes, until they are puffy and have filled out the dish.
Step 5: Baking Time
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, uncover your rolls and bake them for about 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
Step 6: The Glaze
While the rolls are baking, it’s time to make that irresistible cream cheese glaze. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Keep mixing until you get a silky, spreadable glaze.
Step 7: Assembly
The moment your cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for just a couple of minutes before slathering them with the cream cheese glaze. The warmth will help the glaze melt into every nook and cranny, making them extra gooey and delicious.
There you have it! Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with a heavenly cream cheese glaze, ready to turn any morning into a special occasion. There’s immense joy in pulling apart these fluffy rolls, getting your fingers sticky with glaze, and savoring each bite that’s packed with sweet, cinnamon flavors. Enjoy your baking adventure!
