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Preparing the Dough
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and milk. Add the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Making the Filling
Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Assembling the Rolls
Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
Arrange the Rolls: Place the rolls in a greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Baking the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Making the Cream Cheese Icing
Mix the Icing: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the icing is creamy and spreadable.
Finishing Touches
Ice the Rolls: Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool for about 10 minutes before spreading the cream cheese icing generously over the top.
Tips and Variations
Shortcut: Use store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time.
Add-ins: Try adding raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture.
Spice Swap: Substitute pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly for a healthier version.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Food and Drink Pairings
Cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. For a more decadent experience, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.
Can I Freeze Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked rolls after placing them in the baking pan. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before following the baking instructions.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Conclusion
These cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing are a must-try for any baking enthusiast. They are simple to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to impress anyone you share them with.
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