Description
Homemade cinnamon rolls with caramel cream cheese icing promise comfort and indulgence from first bite. Warm spices and silky glaze invite home bakers to savor each delectable morsel of sweet perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups / 480 g all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup / 240 ml warm milk
- 6 tbsps salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground vanilla bean powder
- ½ cup brown sugar (filling)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 6 tbsps salted butter, at room temperature
- 4 tbsps salted butter, at room temperature
- 4 oz / 113 g cream cheese, at room temperature
- ¼ – ⅓ cup caramel sauce
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Whisk warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar in a stand mixer bowl, allowing the mixture to become frothy and aromatic for 5-10 minutes.
- Dough Formation: Integrate butter, eggs, flour, vanilla bean powder, and salt into the yeast mixture, kneading with a dough hook until a smooth, elastic texture develops. Adjust flour if the dough feels sticky.
- First Rise: Allow the dough to rest and expand at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap until it doubles in volume, approximately one hour.
- Filling Preparation: Blend brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Generously butter a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Dough Shaping: Deflate the risen dough and transfer to a floured surface, stretching into a 12 x 18 inch rectangle. Spread room temperature butter evenly, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Rolling and Cutting: Tightly roll the dough from the long edge, creating a compact log. Seal edges and slice into 12-15 uniform rolls using a sharp knife.
- Second Proofing: Position rolls in the prepared baking dish, allowing them to proof for 15-20 minutes under plastic wrap.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake until rolls transform into a golden-brown delicacy, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Icing Creation: Brown butter in a small pot until light golden. Whip cream cheese until fluffy, then blend with browned butter, powdered sugar, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a hint of sea salt.
- Final Touch: Lavish warm rolls with decadent caramel cream cheese icing, optionally garnishing with flaky sea salt for a gourmet finish.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) between 100-110°F to prevent killing the yeast and guarantee proper rising.
- Dough Consistency Check: Add flour gradually during kneading to achieve a soft, slightly tacky but not sticky texture that springs back when touched.
- Proofing Perfect Technique: Allow dough to rise in a draft-free, warm environment around 80-85°F for optimal volume and tender texture.
- Icing Temperature Trick: Let cream cheese and browned butter cool slightly before mixing to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg