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Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls made the night before, topped with a creamy maple glaze for a delightful brunch treat.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 12 rolls
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups All-purpose flour Bread flour gives extra chew.
  • 1 cup Whole milk Warm to 100–110°F.
  • 2 large Eggs Add richness and structure.
  • 1/3 cup Unsalted butter Softened for filling and melted for dough.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar For dough and filling.
  • 1 teaspoon Fine salt Balances sweetness.
  • 2 teaspoons Active dry yeast Or instant yeast.

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar Dark adds more depth.
  • 2 tablespoons Ground cinnamon For flavoring the filling.

Glaze Ingredients

  • 4 ounces Cream cheese Full-fat for smooth glaze.
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup Maple syrup Real maple adds complexity.
  • 1 splash Milk If needed to thin glaze.

Instructions
 

Dough Preparation

  • Warm milk to about 100–110°F and mix with yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
  • Stir in softened butter, beaten eggs, a tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  • Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes by hand or 4–5 minutes in a mixer until smooth and slightly tacky.
  • Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1–1.5 hours at room temperature.

Filling and Shaping

  • Punch down dough and turn onto a floured surface. Roll into a 12x18-inch rectangle.
  • Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Press the filling lightly.
  • Starting from a long edge, roll the dough into a tight log and seal the seam with a little water.
  • Trim ends and slice log into 9–12 even rolls using a sharp serrated knife or dental floss.
  • Arrange rolls in a greased pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight or let rise for 45–60 minutes at room temperature.

Baking and Glazing

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  • While rolls bake, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and maple syrup until smooth, adding milk to thin as necessary.
  • Remove rolls from oven, let sit for 5 minutes, then spoon glaze over warm rolls.

Notes

For best results, store cooled rolls in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm gently to avoid sogginess.
Keyword baked goods, Brunch Recipe, cinnamon rolls, Make Ahead, Sweet Rolls