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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by warming your milk in a small saucepan or microwave. Make sure it’s just warm to the touch, not too hot, as you don’t want to kill the yeast. Once the milk is warm, stir in the sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means the yeast is activated and ready to go.
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the butter, eggs, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the butter mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a spoon or using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Once the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Make the Cinnamon Filling:
While your dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Then, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop and set it aside. When the dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 18×12 inches in size. Spread the melted butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, ensuring it’s fully covered.
3. Roll and Slice the Dough:
Once the dough is covered with the cinnamon-sugar filling, carefully roll it up from the long side, making a tight cylinder. Pinch the edges to seal the roll and then slice the dough into 12 even rolls. You can use a serrated knife or dental floss (the unflavored kind!) to cut through the dough without squashing it. Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they are close together but not touching.
4. Let the Rolls Rise:
Cover the baking dish with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes. They should puff up and become soft and airy. This second rise is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
5. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a slightly crisp top. Be careful not to overbake them; you want the inside to remain soft and gooey. You can also check the internal temperature with a thermometer, which should read around 190°F (88°C) when they’re fully cooked.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:
While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired glaze consistency.
7. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5-10 minutes. Then, generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top while they are still warm. The glaze will melt into the rolls, creating that sinful combination of sweet, buttery, and creamy goodness.
Serve your Absolutely Sinful Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy! These rolls are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or just indulging yourself with a warm, decadent treat.
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Rolls:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best dough texture, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold butter or eggs can make the dough harder to work with.
- Let the Dough Rise Properly: Be patient and allow the dough to rise fully. Rushing this step can result in dense rolls, and we want these to be light and fluffy!
- Don’t Skip the Glaze: The cream cheese glaze is what takes these cinnamon rolls from good to great. Don’t be tempted to skip it—you’ll want that extra bit of sweetness on top!
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough, roll the cinnamon rolls, and place them in the baking dish the night before. Simply cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them rise for about 30 minutes and bake as directed.
Why These Cinnamon Rolls Are Worth the Effort
Let’s face it: Absolutely Sinful Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a treat—they’re an experience. From the moment you roll out the dough to the first bite of that gooey cinnamon-sugar filling topped with velvety cream cheese glaze, these rolls are the epitome of indulgence.
They’re the perfect combination of sweet, buttery, and just the right amount of cinnamon. Whether it’s a special occasion, a holiday breakfast, or just a regular day when you feel like treating yourself, these cinnamon rolls will elevate any moment.
So, the next time you’re craving something truly decadent, roll up your sleeves, get into the kitchen, and whip up a batch of these Absolutely Sinful Cinnamon Rolls. Trust us, they’ll be worth every single calorie!
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