Ultimate Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: The Secret Ingredient That Enhances Every Bite

Immerse yourself in the world of baking with this ultimate homemade cinnamon roll recipe, featuring a secret ingredient that really sets it apart. These rolls are the epitome of comfort food, with their soft, chewy dough, rich cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress with their gooey centers and irresistible aroma.

Why you'll love it: What makes these cinnamon rolls unique is the addition of heavy cream poured over the risen dough before baking. This secret step ensures that each roll is incredibly moist and tender, creating an unforgettable texture that perfectly complements the cinnamon swirls. The mixture of cream cheese and maple extract (or vanilla) frosting adds a delicious layer of flavor that makes these buns truly divine.

Perfect occasion: These cinnamon rolls are a splendid choice for holiday mornings, special occasions, or anytime you want to make your loved ones smile. They also make a delicious surprise for potlucks, office gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift to show someone how much you care.

Decorating Tips: For an extra special touch, sprinkle lightly toasted chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glazed buns. You can also garnish with a light pinch of cinnamon or drizzle with additional melted chocolate for an out-of-this-world chocolate-cinnamon combo.

For the dough:

• 1 cup milk, warmed to 115°F
• 2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 1/3 cup melted or very softened salted butter (below 110°F)
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• About 4 1/2 cups strong bread flour

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup almost melted salted butter
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for drizzling)

For the icing:

• 6 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1/3 cup softened salted butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon maple or vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Combine warm milk and yeast in a mixing bowl, letting sit 3 to 4 minutes to activate.
2. Add eggs, butter and sugar, mixing until well combined.
3. Add the salt and 4 cups of flour while mixing. Let sit for 5 minutes, then knead with a dough hook for 5 to 7 minutes, adding more flour if necessary.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
5. For the topping, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, spread the filling and roll well. Cut into 12 slices and place in a 9×13 baking dish. Leave to rise for 20 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat the heavy cream and pour it over the buns. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
8. For the frosting, combine cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and blend until smooth. Frost cooled buns.

Enjoy these ultimate homemade cinnamon rolls, a perfect blend of sweet, spicy and utterly comforting flavors that are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.