Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 3-3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg ((plus enough milk to make 1 cup))
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup butter ((room temperature))
• 1/2 cup sugar ((mixed with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon))
• 4 ounces cream cheese ((room temperature))
• 5 tablespoons butter ((room temperature))
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix and knead all the dough ingredients together until a soft, smooth dough forms. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. I used my oven with the light on.

2. 2

   Lightly grease a surface and roll the dough into a 10-by-16-inch rectangle. Spread the butter all over except for 1 inch on the side farthest from you. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar all over the butter.

3. 3

   Beginning at the side closest to you, roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the edges to seal. With a serrated knife or toothfloss, cut the log in half, then slice each half into 6 pieces. Place them in a greased 9x13-inch pan and press them down slightly. Cover and let them rise again for 45-90 minutes until puffy.

4. 4

   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.

5. 5

   In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together for 1 minute until light and fluffy. Spread all over the top of the warm cinnamon rolls.

6. 6

   Enjoy! Because the frosting has dairy in it, make sure you refrigerate any leftovers. They will keep for about 5 days in the fridge.