Of course! Here is a comprehensive, detailed recipe for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing, presented in the expansive format you requested.
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A Homemade Embrace: The Ultimate Guide to Cinnamon Rolls
There are few aromas as comforting and universally beloved as that of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. This recipe is for those who believe in the magic of homemade dough, the richness of real cream cheese icing, and the joy of creating a classic bakery treat from scratch. More than just a pastry, a warm cinnamon roll is an experience—a soft, fluffy, and decadent offering of warmth and sweetness. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your homemade rolls are nothing short of spectacular.
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Ingredients
For the Dough:
· 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F / 45°C)
· 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
· ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
· 2 large eggs, at room temperature
· ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
· 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
· 4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Filling:
· ¾ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
· 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
· ¼ cup unsalted butter, very soft (almost melted)
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
· 4 ounces (½ block) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
· ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
· 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
· ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
· A pinch of salt
· 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (as needed for consistency)
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Instructions & Methods
Method 1: Creating the Dough (The Foundation)
1. Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment (or a large mixing bowl if mixing by hand), combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of the ½ cup of sugar. Gently stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This “proofing” step confirms your yeast is alive and active.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix on low speed (or with a wooden spoon) until just combined.
3. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add 4 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until a shaggy dough begins to form.
4. Knead the Dough: Increase the speed to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes. If the dough sticks excessively to the sides of the bowl, add the remaining ½ cup of flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides but is still slightly tacky to the touch. The dough should be smooth, soft, and elastic.
5. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or butter. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free area. Let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Method 2: Shaping and the Second Rise
1. Prepare the Pan: While the dough rises, generously butter a 9×13 inch baking dish or a round 10-inch cake pan.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Once doubled, punch the dough down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a roughly 16×12 inch rectangle.
3. Apply the Filling: Spread the very soft ¼ cup of butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
4. Tightly Roll: Starting from the long edge opposite the clean border, tightly and gently roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
5. Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp knife, dental floss, or a bench scraper, cut the log into 12 equal slices (about 1.5 inches thick each). Place the rolls cut-side up in the prepared baking pan, arranging them so they have a little space to expand.
6. Second Rise: Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, until they are puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Method 3: Baking and Icing
1. Bake to Perfection: Bake the risen rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are fully cooked. The internal temperature should read about 190°F (88°C).
2. Prepare the Icing: While the rolls bake, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and creamy. Beat in the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt until well combined. Add a tablespoon of milk or cream to reach your desired drizzling consistency.
3. The Grand Finale: Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. While they are still warm (but not piping hot), spread or drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top. The warmth of the rolls will help the icing melt into every nook and cranny.
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A Brief History
The cinnamon roll, in various forms, has a long history in Europe. Its ancestors are likely ancient honey-and-spice pastries. The modern version is most strongly associated with Sweden and Denmark (kanelbullar and kanelsnegl), where it is a cherished part of fika—the daily coffee break. Immigrants brought these recipes to North America, where they evolved into the richer, sweeter, and more generously iced version we know and love today, often dubbed the “American Cinnamon Roll.”
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per roll with icing)
· Calories: ~450-550 kcal
· Carbohydrates: ~70-80g
· Fat: ~18-22g
· Protein: ~6-8g
· Sugar: ~40-50g
Note: This is a treat best enjoyed in moderation. The primary benefits are emotional and sensory!
The Lovers of Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls hold a special place in the hearts of many. They are for:
· The Weekend Baker: Who finds therapy in the process of kneading and rising.
· The Family Chef: Creating a centerpiece for holiday mornings and special brunches.
· The Comfort Seeker: Who knows that the smell of cinnamon and sugar can brighten any gloomy day.
· The Generous Soul: For whom baking a pan of rolls is a tangible act of love and sharing.
Conclusion
Mastering the homemade cinnamon roll is a rewarding culinary achievement. While the process requires time and patience, the result is infinitely superior to any store-bought alternative. From the yeasty, tender crumb of the dough to the sharp sweetness of the cinnamon filling and the tangy richness of the cream cheese icing, every element works in perfect harmony. It’s more than a recipe; it’s a creation of warmth, love, and pure, unadulterated joy. So, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the most wonderful scent imaginable.