Homemade Cinnamon Buns with Cream cheese Frosting

Makes: 12 cinnamon rolls
Bake: 350°F for 25–30 minutes

Ingredients:

Cinnamon Roll Dough:

• 4½–5 cups all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup (75 g) granulated sugar

• 2 packets RapidRise yeast (about 4½ teaspoons)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1½ cups (355 g) water

• 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter

• 1 large egg

Cinnamon Filling:

• ¼ cup (55 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature

• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature

• ¼ cup (55 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

Make the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of the flour, sugar, yeast and salt.

2. Combine the water and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30–45 seconds, until warm but not hot. The butter does not need to melt completely.

3. Pour the warm water and butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the egg and mix with a wooden spoon.

4. Add another 2 cups of flour and mix. The dough should become thick and sticky.

5. Add another ½ cup flour and continue mixing. Once the dough becomes shaggy and difficult to stir, begin kneading it with your hands.

6. If the dough is still very sticky, add another ¼ cup flour and continue kneading. The dough should become smooth, soft and slightly tacky.

7. Press a clean finger into the dough. If it sticks significantly, knead in the remaining ¼ cup flour. Shape the dough into a ball and let it rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Fill & Shape:

8. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it into approximately a 10 × 15-inch rectangle.

9. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.

10. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter, followed by the cinnamon.

11. Starting from one of the 15-inch sides, tightly roll the dough into a log.

12. Cut off the uneven ends, then divide the log into 12 equal rolls. Unflavoured dental floss works especially well for cutting without squishing the rolls, but a sharp knife can also be used.

13. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9 × 13-inch baking dish. You can also divide them between two 9-inch round pans.

Rise & Bake:

14. Cover the rolls with a clean towel and place them in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

15. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

16. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden brown.

17. Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly while you prepare the icing.

Cream Cheese Icing:

18. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.

19. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Whisk until the icing is smooth and creamy.

20. Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.