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The Softest Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.2 from 11 reviews

These Softest Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate treat, featuring a tender, fluffy dough with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they are baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious glaze that melts in your mouth.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dough

  • 350 g bread flour (2 3/4 cups)
  • 50 g sugar (1/4 cup)
  • 7 g instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
  • 4 g salt (1/4 tsp)
  • 1 large egg
  • 160 g milk (2/3 cup), lukewarm (100-110°F / 38-43°C)
  • 50 g butter (1/4 cup), room temperature

Filling

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

Glaze

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add the egg, lukewarm milk, and softened butter. Using the dough hook attachment, knead on low speed until the ingredients come together and flour is fully incorporated. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and let it rest for 30 minutes on the stand mixer.
  2. Knead Dough: Turn the mixer on high speed and knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until the dough is shiny and elastic. Cover again and let it rise in a draft-free, warm area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  3. Make Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, and chopped pecans (if using) until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Roll and Fill Dough: Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough into a 10×16 inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll up the dough tightly from the longer side and slice into 8 equal rolls.
  5. Arrange Rolls: Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan, round 9-inch cake pan lined with parchment paper, or a large oven-safe skillet. Place the cinnamon roll slices in the pan, spacing slightly apart if desired.
  6. Second Rise: Heat the heavy cream in the microwave for 30 seconds until warm (not hot). Pour over the rolls. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a tea towel and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
  7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Bake Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on top. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes before applying the glaze.
  9. Prepare Glaze & Serve: Mix the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt together until smooth. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. Add more cream if you prefer a thinner glaze. Serve warm for best flavor.

Notes

  • Slice the rolled dough tightly to keep the rolls fluffy and prevent filling from leaking.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the pecans.
  • Make sure the milk is lukewarm to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  • Covering the dough with a tea towel or plastic wrap during rising prevents drying out and promotes a better rise.
  • Letting the rolls cool slightly before glazing prevents the frosting from melting off completely.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/the-softest-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/