Easy Cinnamon Rolls for 8

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 (16-ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm milk (105-115°F)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Icing:

• 1/3 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Milk or cream, as needed

Preparation Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

20-25 minutes

Difficulty Level:

1 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let stand for 5 minutes, until foamy.
2. Add the granulated sugar, warm milk, softened butter, salt, and 3 1/2 cups of flour. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Grease a large bowl with butter. Place the dough in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
6. Roll and fill: Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Roll out each half into a 12x9-inch rectangle.
7. Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal slices.
9. Place in a baking pan: Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter. Place the cinnamon rolls in the pan, slightly touching each other.
10. Let rise again: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until nearly doubled in size.
11. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Make the icing: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract. Add milk or cream as needed to reach a smooth and spreadable consistency.
13. Frost the rolls: Spread the icing evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 cinnamon roll):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Fluffy and soft dough
• Sweet and cinnamony filling
• Creamy and tangy icing
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert

User Comments:

• "These cinnamon rolls are the best I've ever had! The dough is so soft and the filling is perfectly spiced."
• "I love that these cinnamon rolls are easy to make and always turn out perfect."
• "The icing is the perfect finishing touch to these delicious cinnamon rolls."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure the yeast is active by dissolving it in warm water and letting it stand for 5 minutes before using.
• If the dough is too sticky, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it becomes manageable.
• Do not overmix the dough, as this will make the cinnamon rolls tough.
• If you don't have time to let the dough rise twice, you can rise it once for 1 hour and bake immediately. However, the rolls will not be as fluffy.
• Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before frosting, to prevent the icing from melting.