Picture this: soft, fluffy swirls of dough infused with a tantalizing blend of cinnamon and sugar, baked to perfection and drizzled with a sweet icing that'll make your taste buds dance. Cinnamon rolls aren't just a treat; they're a warm hug for your taste buds. They boast a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, making each bite a mini-celebration of flavors. From the first whiff of that irresistible cinnamon aroma to the last lick of frosting, these rolls embody comfort and joy. Prepare to embark on a delectable journey through the land of cinnamon dreams!
In a mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and a pinch of sugar in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it's frothy.
Meanwhile, mix the sugar and softened butter.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract and continue mixing.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and cinnamon powder.
Add the flour and milk to the butter and eggs mixture. Mix until the dough comes together.
Knead the dough on a floured surface, gradually adding more flour as needed, until it's smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 45min-1hr or until it's doubled in size.
Filling
In a bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
Add softened butter and mix until it forms a paste.
Preparation
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 16 inches by 12 inches (40 cm by 30 cm), and about 1/4in-0.6cm thick.
Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
Roll the dough tightly to get those classic swirls and prevent the rolls from unraveling during baking.
Slice it into 12 equal rolls, about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 centimeters) thick. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolls for a clean and neat cross-section.
Arrange the shaped cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet, keeping them 1-2in/2.5-5cm apart.
Allow the rolls a final rise (20-30 min) after cutting and placing them in the baking dish.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the baking pan in the center of the oven to ensure an even baking.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they're golden brown.
Frosting
In a bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix until it's creamy and well combined.
Let the rolls cool for a few minutes.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.