CiCi's Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you have ever craved the soft, gooey rolls from a bakery, this CiCi's Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings that same indulgence right to your kitchen. These rolls are pillowy on the inside, swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with creamy icing that melts into every bite.
Ingredients
For the dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk, about 110°F
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
For the filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the icing
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Pour the warm milk into a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the top, and let it rest for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and active. In another large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt by whisking them together.
- Mix in the melted butter, egg, and prepared yeast mixture, stirring until the ingredients form a shaggy dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, working it until it feels soft and elastic.
- Place the smooth dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly mixed. Gently press down the risen dough, then roll it into a rectangle measuring roughly 16 by 12 inches. Spread the softened butter in an even layer over the surface, and scatter the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the top.
- Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, keeping it even as you go. Cut the log into 12 even slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover the dish and allow the rolls to rest for about 30 minutes, or until they look light and puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes, until the tops turn golden and the centers are baked through.
- As the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, and mix until creamy.
- After removing the rolls from the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes, then spread the icing generously over the warm tops so it melts slightly into each roll. Serve warm for the ultimate treat.