Pillowy Soft Perfect Classic Cinnamon Rolls

Serves 8
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Directions

  1. 1Activate the yeast by pouring warm milk into a small bowl, adding 1 tbsp of granulated sugar, sprinkling yeast overtop, stirring, and letting it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
  2. 2Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer.
  3. 3Add the remaining granulated sugar, Greek yogurt, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla bean paste to the mixer.
  4. 4Add flour and salt to the mixture.
  5. 5Mix on low speed for 1 minute until barely combined, then rest for 5 minutes.
  6. 6Mix on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until the dough is elastic, smooth, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  7. 7Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm environment for 30-45 minutes until doubled in size.
  8. 8Prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until well combined.
  9. 9Grease a 9x13” baking pan with butter.
  10. 10Generously flour your work surface, turn the risen dough onto it, and lightly sprinkle more flour on top.
  11. 11Roll the dough out to a 16x15” rectangle for 8 larger rolls or a 24x15” rectangle for 12 smaller rolls.
  12. 12Spread the cinnamon filling evenly all over the dough surface, leaving a small border.
  13. 13Starting on the long end, tightly roll the dough into a log.
  14. 14Cut the dough into 8 larger or 12 smaller rolls, each about 2 inches in width, using a sharp knife or unflavored floss.
  15. 15Place the rolls into the prepared baking pan.
  16. 16Cover the pan and allow the rolls to proof for another 25-30 minutes until puffy.
  17. 17Preheat the oven to 350F.
  18. 18Warm heavy cream in the microwave for 15 seconds and pour all over the proofed rolls.
  19. 19Bake the rolls at 350F for the specified time, then increase oven to 375F and bake until golden and cooked through.
  20. 20Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and softened butter until smooth, then beating in powdered sugar and vanilla.
  21. 21Remove rolls from the oven and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes.
  22. 22Spread the cream cheese frosting all over the rolls, then serve and enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 0.75 cup milk of choice
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2.5 tsp active dry yeast
  • 0.5 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 0.5 cup salted butter, very softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 4.5 cups bread flour (sub: all-purpose flour)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup salted butter, softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.25 cup salted butter, softened
  • 1.75 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract

Equipment

small bowl or glass measuring cuplarge bowlstand mixer with dough hook attachmentwooden spoonbaking pan (9x13")sharp knife or unflavored flosshandheld mixermicrowave

Tips

  • Allow yeast to become frothy and activated.
  • When kneading, let the dough rest for 5 minutes after initial mixing so the flour can soak up liquids.
  • Mix dough on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until elastic and smooth, pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
  • If dough is too sticky, add 1 tbsp of flour at a time, but keep it slightly sticky.
  • Allow the dough to rise in a warm environment until doubled in size (30-45 minutes).
  • Roll dough out to a 16x15” rectangle for 8 larger rolls or 24x15” for 12 smaller rolls.
  • Leave a small border around the edges when spreading the cinnamon filling.
  • Tightly roll the dough into a log.
  • Cut rolls approximately 2 inches in width.
  • Proof rolls for another 25-30 minutes until puffy.
  • Pour warm heavy cream over proofed rolls before baking.
  • Bake 8 larger rolls at 350F for 22-24 minutes, then increase to 375F for 5-7 minutes until golden.
  • Bake 12 smaller rolls at 350F for 20-22 minutes, then increase to 375F for 5-7 minutes until golden.
  • Allow rolls to rest for 10-15 minutes before frosting.