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Moderate · The Deane Recipe Box

Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Soft, fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls swirled with buttery brown sugar and cinnamon, then finished with a tangy vanilla cream cheese icing.

35 minutesPrep 25 minutesCook About 3 hours, including risingTotal 12 rollsMakes

Method

  1. Mix the dough

    Fit a stand mixer with the dough hook. Add 4 cups of the bread flour, the instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt to the mixer bowl and mix briefly on low speed. Add the warm milk, eggs, and melted butter. Mix on low speed for 2 minutes, until a shaggy dough forms.

  2. Knead and rise

    Knead with the dough hook on medium-low speed (speed 2 on a KitchenAid) for 6 to 8 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If it clings heavily to the sides of the bowl, add the remaining bread flour 1 tablespoon at a time; avoid making the dough stiff. Transfer to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 60 to 75 minutes, until doubled in size.

  3. Prepare the pan and filling

    Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

  4. Shape the rolls

    Gently deflate the dough and roll it into an 18-by-12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter. Starting at the opposite long edge, roll the dough into a snug log and pinch the seam closed.

  5. Cut and rise again

    Cut the log into 12 equal rolls and arrange them in the prepared dish. Cover and let rise for 30 to 40 minutes, until puffy. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350°F.

  6. Bake

    Bake for 22 to 27 minutes, until the rolls are lightly golden and the centers are cooked through. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

  7. Make the icing

    Beat the cream cheese and softened butter in the stand mixer until smooth. Beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add more milk as needed to make a thick, spreadable icing.

  8. Finish and serve

    Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls and serve.