1Pour the warm milk into a small bowl or glass measuring cup.
2Add 1 tbsp of the granulated sugar and sprinkle the yeast overtop.
3Stir and allow to sit for 5-7 minutes, until frothy and activated.
4In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.
5Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer.
6Add the rest of the sugar (1/2 cup minus the 1 tbsp used for yeast), Greek yogurt or sour cream, butter, eggs, vanilla, and the flour mixture.
7With the dough hook attachment (or with a wooden spoon if mixing by hand), mix on low speed for 1 minute, until barely combined.
8Rest for 5 minutes so the flour can soak up the liquids.
9Mix on medium speed for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is elastic, smooth, and is pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
10If the dough seems a little too sticky, you can add 1 tbsp more flour at a time, until it starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
11Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl.
12Cover and allow to rise in a warm environment for 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
13While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla until well combined. Set aside.
14Grease a 9x13” baking pan with butter.
15Once the dough is done rising and has doubled, generously flour your work surface.
16Turn the dough out onto the surface and lightly sprinkle the top with more flour.
17If making 8 larger cinnamon rolls, roll the dough out to a 16x15” rectangle.
18For 12 smaller cinnamon rolls, roll it out to a 24x15” rectangle.
19Spread/smooth the cinnamon filling evenly all over the surface of the dough, leaving a very small border around the edges.
20Starting on the long end, tightly roll the dough up into a log.
21Using a sharp knife or unflavored floss, cut the dough into 8 larger or 12 smaller rolls total, each about 2” in width.
22Place the rolls into the prepared baking pan.
23Cover the pan and allow to proof for another 25-30 minutes, until puffy.
24Preheat the oven to 350F.
25Once the rolls are proofed, warm the heavy cream in the microwave for 15 secs, and pour all over the rolls.
26For 8 larger rolls, bake at 350F for the first 22-24 mins.
27Then, turn the oven temperature up to 375F and bake for another 5-7 mins, until the tops are golden and the rolls are cooked through.
28For 12 smaller rolls, bake at 350F for the first 20-22 mins.
29Then, turn the oven temperature up to 375F and bake for another 5-7 mins.
30While baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
31In a large bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and fluffy.
32Then, beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla until well combined and smooth.
33Remove the rolls from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before frosting.
Ingredients
0.75 cup milk of choice, warmed to 110F
0.5 cup granulated sugar, divided
2.5 tsp active dry yeast
0.5 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream, room temp
0.5 cup salted butter, very softened (almost melted)