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The Ultimate Soft and Gooey Homemade Cinnamon Buns with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Make bakery-style cinnamon rolls from scratch. This recipe delivers soft, fluffy, and irresistibly gooey cinnamon buns topped with a rich cream cheese glaze. It is perfect for weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon for yeast
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, plus 1/2 cup for filling
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For the Filling: 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • For the Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Warm the milk until it reaches 105-115 degrees F. Pour it into a large bowl and stir in the 1 teaspoon of sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 4 cups of flour and the salt.
  3. Add the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, softened butter, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
  4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  8. Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
  9. Spread the 1/2 cup of softened butter evenly over the dough surface, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge.
  10. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface.
  11. Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed.
  12. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  13. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  14. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  15. While the buns bake, make the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreadable, luscious consistency.
  16. Remove the buns from the oven and immediately spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For overnight cinnamon buns, assemble the rolls in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Before baking, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time if needed.
  • If you want extra gooey rolls, pour 1/4 cup of heavy cream over the rolls right before baking.
  • Use room temperature eggs and softened butter for the dough; this helps the yeast activate properly and creates a softer final texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/gooey-homemade-cinnamon-buns-recipe/