Here’s a cozy guide to making our all-time favorite cinnamon rolls, perfect for any day you need a little extra sweetness in your life! These rolls are made with a fluffy brioche dough and are smothered in a creamy cream cheese glaze that gets into every nook and cranny.
Ingredients:
For the brioche dough:
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 1/2 cups flour (plus a bit more for dusting)
For the filling:
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 5 tablespoons white sugar
- 5 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 2 ounces softened cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A small pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Make the dough: Begin by mixing the lukewarm water and yeast in a bowl. Melt the butter and whisk in the honey, eggs, and salt. Combine this with the yeast mixture, then gradually add the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until you have a sticky, loose dough. It’s supposed to be a bit messy!
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First rise: Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours, until it’s puffed up and doubled in size. To speed up the process, you can place the bowl near a warm oven.
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Chill the dough: After the first rise, deflate the dough gently by pulling it away from the sides of the bowl. Cover it again and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. This makes the dough easier to handle. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Assemble the rolls: Flour the dough lightly and roll it out into a 9×13 inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter and evenly sprinkle the mixed sugars and cinnamon over it. Roll up the dough starting from the short end and cut into 8 equal pieces.
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Second rise: Place the rolls in a round baking dish and let them rise in a warm, turned-off oven for about 45 minutes.
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Bake: Remove the rolls from the oven, preheat it to 350 degrees, and bake the rolls for 20-22 minutes.
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Prepare the frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
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Frost and serve: Once the rolls are slightly cooled, slather them with the cream cheese frosting. If you like, add a second layer of frosting once they’ve cooled a bit more.
Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness of your homemade cinnamon rolls! Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a comforting treat, these rolls are sure to delight.
