Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Warm the milk to about 105–110°F, stir in yeast and a pinch of sugar, and wait 5 to 10 minutes until a foamy cap confirms activity.
2. Step 2.Whisk the remaining sugar, eggs, and cooled melted butter into the yeast mixture, then add flour and salt to form a shaggy dough.
3. Step 3.Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky rather than wet, adding extra flour only one spoonful at a time.
4. Step 4.Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled, about 60 to 90 minutes.
5. Step 5.Roll the dough into an even rectangle, spread softened butter nearly to the edges, and cover it evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
6. Step 6.Roll tightly from a long edge, pinch the seam, cut into 12 equal pieces, and arrange them cut-side up in a buttered baking dish.
7. Step 7.Cover and rise 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and touching, then bake at 350°F for 23 to 28 minutes until golden and 190°F inside.
8. Step 8.Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla smooth, cool the rolls 10 minutes, and spread icing while warm but not scorching hot.