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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Activate the Yeast**
Start by warming up the milk in a microwave or on the stovetop. You want it to be warm, not hot—around 110°F (you should be able to comfortably touch it). In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with **granulated sugar** and sprinkle the **active dry yeast** over the top. Stir gently to combine and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This process activates the yeast, ensuring that your cinnamon rolls will rise beautifully.
#### 2. **Prepare the Dough**
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the **melted butter**, **salt**, **eggs**, and **vanilla extract** into the bowl. Stir everything together until combined. Gradually add in the **all-purpose flour**, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. You’ll end up with a soft dough that is slightly sticky but manageable.
#### 3. **Knead the Dough**
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and begin to knead it for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much. Once the dough is smooth, form it into a ball.
#### 4. **Let the Dough Rise**
Place the dough in a large greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. This is the key to getting soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls!
#### 5. **Roll Out the Dough**
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle that’s about 16 inches long and 12 inches wide. Aim for an even thickness so that your cinnamon rolls bake uniformly.
#### 6. **Add the Filling**
Spread the softened **butter** evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, mix together the **brown sugar**, **cinnamon**, and **salt** in a small bowl. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, ensuring that every inch is covered.
#### 7. **Roll and Slice the Dough**
Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal the dough. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the dough into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they are close together but not touching.
#### 8. **Let the Rolls Rise Again**
Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is essential for creating fluffy, tender rolls.
#### 9. **Bake the Cinnamon Rolls**
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t over-bake.
#### 10. **Make the Cream Cheese Frosting**
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by combining the softened **cream cheese**, **powdered sugar**, **butter**, **vanilla extract**, and **milk** in a bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thicker frosting, reduce the milk; for a thinner, more pourable frosting, add a little more milk.
#### 11. **Frost the Rolls**
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting on top. The warmth of the rolls will cause the frosting to melt into every swirl, creating an irresistible gooey texture.
#### 12. **Serve and Enjoy**
Serve your homemade cinnamon rolls warm, and enjoy the soft, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced goodness. You can top them with a drizzle of extra frosting or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
### Why Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Are Worth It
#### 1. **The Perfect Combination of Sweetness and Spice**
The balance between the cinnamon filling and the rich, buttery dough makes homemade cinnamon rolls a perfect indulgence. The addition of cream cheese frosting takes them to the next level, adding tanginess and sweetness that complements the warmth of the cinnamon.
#### 2. **Soft, Fluffy Texture**
One of the joys of homemade cinnamon rolls is their tender, soft texture. The dough’s two rises create a light, airy crumb that melts in your mouth. The rolls are the perfect combination of slightly chewy and delightfully soft.
#### 3. **Freshly Baked Delight**
There’s nothing quite like the smell of cinnamon and sugar filling your kitchen as the rolls bake. Homemade cinnamon rolls are far superior to anything you can buy at the store, with a freshness and depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
#### 4. **Perfect for Any Occasion**
Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning, a family gathering, or a holiday breakfast, homemade cinnamon rolls make any occasion feel special. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a personal treat.
#### 5. **A Fun Baking Project**
While making cinnamon rolls from scratch may seem like a challenge, the process is actually quite rewarding. It’s a fun, hands-on project that allows you to connect with the ingredients and enjoy the process of baking. Plus, you get to enjoy a batch of delicious rolls at the end!
### Final Thoughts: A Sweet and Cozy Indulgence
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, homemade cinnamon roll—fluffy, gooey, and comforting. With this recipe, you’ll be able to create a batch of cinnamon rolls that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or save them for a special occasion, these homemade cinnamon rolls will always be a crowd-pleaser.
So roll up your sleeves, get baking, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these soft, sweet, and irresistible cinnamon rolls. Happy baking!
