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Ultra soft and chewy cinnamon rolls recipe


  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

These Ultra Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Rolls are everything a homemade cinnamon roll should be! Made with fluffy yeast dough, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and creamy homemade cream cheese frosting, they are soft, buttery, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or a cozy weekend treat.


Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 4½ cups (585g) bread flour
  • ⅓ cup (70g) granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) rapid-rise instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1½ cups (360g) milk
  • 6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅔ cup (142g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (336g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine 2 cups of bread flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the milk and butter for about 45 seconds, until the butter is mostly melted and the mixture is warm but not hot.
  3. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and add the egg.
  4. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to high speed and mix for 2 minutes.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

  1. Replace the whisk attachment with the dough hook.
  2. Add 1½ cups of flour and knead on low speed until combined.
  3. Add the remaining 1 cup of flour and continue kneading until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  4. Increase to medium-low speed and knead for approximately 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Check the dough by stretching a small piece between your fingers. It should become thin enough to let light through without tearing.

Step 3: First Rise

  1. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl.
  2. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
  3. Let rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  2. Mix with a spatula until a smooth paste forms.

Step 5: Shape the Cinnamon Rolls

  1. Transfer the risen dough to a well-floured surface.
  2. Roll it into a rectangle measuring approximately 12 × 18 inches.
  3. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the entire surface.
  4. Starting from the longer 18-inch side closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log.
  5. Seal the outside seam by gently pressing the dough together.
  6. Cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
  7. Arrange the rolls in a parchment-lined 9 × 13-inch baking pan.

Step 6: Second Rise and Bake

  1. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
  2. Let the rolls rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown.
  5. Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and allow the rolls to cool slightly for about 15 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. In a stand mixer, combine cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
  2. Beat on low speed until combined.
  3. Increase to medium-high speed and whip for approximately 1 minute until light and fluffy.
  4. If the frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of milk.
  5. Spread the frosting evenly over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Serve warm: These cinnamon rolls taste best when served slightly warm, with the cream cheese frosting soft and creamy.
  • Breakfast and brunch: Pair them with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk.
  • Holiday serving: Arrange them on a large platter for Christmas morning, Thanksgiving breakfast, or family celebrations.
  • Room temperature storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator storage: Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unfrosted or frosted rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
  • Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, checking until heated through.
  • Make-ahead option: Prepare the rolls, arrange them in the baking pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight before the second rise. Let them sit at room temperature until puffy before baking.
  • Avoid overbaking: Remove the rolls when they are lightly golden and cooked through to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
  • Keep them moist: Avoid leaving the rolls uncovered for long periods, as this can cause them to dry out.