Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1

Spray a 13x9-inch baking dish or cake pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom and sides of the dish with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2

Warm the milk in the microwave for 1 minute on high. It should be warm, not boiling hot.

Step 3

Put the warm milk into the large bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkel the active dry yeast on top. Let stand for 5-8 minutes until the yeast has dissolved and the top is foamy.

Step 4

To the yeast mixture, add the granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter and vanilla extract. Turn the mixer on low and use the dough hook to stir it for one minute.

Step 5

With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add 4 cups of flour with the salt and the cinnamon. Once all of the dry ingredients are added, increase the speed to medium speed and then to medium-high speed. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes or just until the dough is soft and not too sticky. (If the dough is sticking to the sides of the bowl, add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough forms into a soft ball.)

Step 6

Spray a large mixing bowl with cooking spray. Transfer the dough to the bowl. Cover with a damp, clean kitchen towel. Place in a warm, draft free spot for 60-90 minutes to double in size.

Step 7

Filling: In a small bowl, use a fork to mash together the softened butter, brown sugar and cinnamon to form a thick paste.

Step 8

Once the dough has risen, gently release the air. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle about 24x18-inches long and 18 inches wide.

Step 9

Use an icing spatula to spread the cinnamon sugar filling in an even layer over the top of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.

Step 10

Begin rolling from the widest side as tightly as possible shaping as you go. Pinch the seam together.

Step 11

Use a 12-inch piece of (unflavored) dental floss to cut the dough into 12 equal pieces approximately 2-inches wide.  If you don’t have dental floss, you’ll need a very sharp knife to slice cleanly thruugh the dough.

Step 12

Place the rolls in the baking dish, cut side up, leaving an inch between each roll.  Cover with a clean tea towel and allow to rise for 30 more minutes.

Step 13

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffy and golden brown.

Step 14

Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth

Step 15

Remove the rolls from the oven and allow to cool for 5-7 minutes then spread cream cheese frosting on top.

Step 16

Remove from the pan and serve warm.