Ingredients:

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)

2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

For the Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

4 oz (about 1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2. Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture, sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs.

Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise:

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Roll out the Dough:

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16x20-inch rectangle.

5. Make the Filling:

Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

6. Roll and Cut:

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.

Cut the log into 12 even slices.

7. Second Rise:

Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll.

Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes.

8. Preheat and Bake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.

9. Make the Cream Cheese Icing:

In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

10. Ice the Cinnamon Rolls:

Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for a few minutes before spreading the cream cheese icing over them.

11. Serve:

Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy!

Optional Tips:

Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Drizzle extra honey or caramel sauce over the top for added sweetness.

These homemade cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness!