Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 ¼ cups (406g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-4 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar in a bowl. Let stand until foamy to activate the yeast.
  2. Combine yeast mixture with remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, and eggs. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size for the first rise.
  4. While the dough rises, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl to prepare the filling.
  5. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle.
  6. Spread the softened butter mixture evenly over the dough.
  7. Tightly roll up the dough lengthwise and slice into 12 equal-sized rolls.
  8. Place the rolls in a greased baking pan. Cover and let rise until puffy for the second rise.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
  10. While the rolls cool, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk to reach desired consistency for the frosting.
  11. Generously frost the warm cinnamon rolls.
  12. Serve warm and enjoy these homemade cinnamon rolls!