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Ultimate Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

Incredibly soft, fluffy, and pillowy homemade cinnamon rolls filled with a rich brown sugar-cinnamon center and smothered in a decadent cream cheese icing.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 cup whole milk warm (110°F/43°C)
  • 2.25 tsp instant yeast 1 packet
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar divided
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4.5 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
Filling
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter very soft, room temperature
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 2.5 tbsp ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Icing
  • 6 oz full-fat cream cheese softened
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tbsp milk or heavy cream optional, for consistency

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer with dough hook
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Rolling pin
  • Unflavored dental floss or serrated knife
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Whisk warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add melted butter, eggs, remaining granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  3. Using a dough hook, gradually add flour. Knead 5-7 minutes until dough is smooth and slightly tacky.
  4. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Punch dough down, roll out into a 12x18-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
  6. Spread softened butter evenly over dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle evenly over butter, pressing gently.
  7. Roll dough tightly into a log. Use dental floss to cut into 12 slices.
  8. Place rolls in a greased 9x13 dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden.
  10. Beat softened cream cheese and butter. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
  11. Spread a bit of icing over hot rolls to melt in, then spread remaining icing after 10 minutes. Serve warm.

Notes

Make ahead: After cutting the rolls and placing them in the pan, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temp for 1-2 hours to rise before baking.