Cinnamon Rolls

This is an amazing cinnamon roll recipe. The first time I made these cinnamon rolls, my family was completely hooked. Cinnabon has nothing on these little guys! I sometimes add raisins at my husband’s request since he loves them that way, but feel free to leave them out if you don’t like them.

Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk (about 115°F)
• 2 1/2 teaspoon instant dry yeast
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 1/3 cup butter melted
• 4 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Filling Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter almost melted
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (105°F)
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

Frosting Ingredients

• 4 ounces cream cheese(softened)
• 1/3 cup butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Pour the warm milk in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top.
2. Add the eggs, butter, salt and sugar.
3. Add the flour and mix using the beater blade just until the ingredients are barely combined. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes so the flour has time to soak up the liquids.
4. Scrape the dough off the beater blade and remove it. Attach the dough hook.
5. Beat the dough on medium speed for 5-7 minutes or until the dough is elastic and smooth. **The dough will be tacky and will still be sticking to the sides of the bowl. That’s ok! Don’t be tempted to add more flour at this point.
6. Spray a large bowl with cooking spray.
7. Use a rubber spatula to remove the dough from the mixer bowl and place it in the greased large bowl.
8. Cover the bowl with a towel or wax paper.
9. Set the bowl in a warm place and allow the dough to rise until doubled in size. Do not allow the dough to rise too much or your cinnamon rolls will be airy.
10. While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a medium bowl, combine the soft butter, brown sugar and cinnamon, mixing until well combined. Set aside.
11. Sprinkle a pastry mat generously with flour. Turn out the dough onto the pastry mat and sprinkle the top of the dough with additional flour.
12. Flour a rolling pin and roll the dough to about a 12×15″ rectangle.
13. Use a rubber spatula to smooth the cinnamon filling over the whole dough rectangle. Add raisins at this point if you are using them.
14. Starting on the long end, roll the dough up tightly jelly roll style.
15. Cut into 12 slices and place in a greased 9×13 baking pan.*
16. Cover the pan and allow the rolls to rise until nearly double in size.
17. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
18. Warm the heavy cream until the chill is off It should be warm to the touch.
19. Once the rolls have risen, pour the heavy cream over the top of the rolls, allowing it to soak down in and around the rolls.
20. Bake at 375°F for 17-19 minutes, until the rolls are lightly golden brown and the center rolls are cooked through.
21. While the rolls are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
22. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter using a hand mixer. Blend well.
23. Add in your extract and the powdered sugar. Beat until combined.
24. Spread the frosting over the cooled rolls.
25. Store in airtight container.