Dive into the comfort of these heavenly soft cinnamon rolls, wrapped in a delicate, airy dough and infused with a heartwarming cinnamon sugar mix. Each roll is topped with a rich, creamy frosting that complements the spiced filling beautifully. This recipe promises an irresistibly fluffy texture that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Why You'll Love This:
These cinnamon rolls strike the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort. The dough is exceptionally soft and fluffy, practically melting in your mouth, while the cinnamon imparts a warming, spicy note that's both comforting and invigorating. The cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious creaminess, enhancing the rolls without overwhelming their delicate flavors.
Perfect Occasion:
Ideal for a cozy weekend breakfast, special holiday brunch, or as a sweet treat at your next family gathering. These cinnamon rolls are sure to delight guests at events like baby showers, birthday celebrations, or any time you want to add a touch of sweetness to your gathering.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosted rolls for added crunch and flavor. If you're serving these at a special event, consider a light drizzle of caramel sauce for a gourmet finish. Presenting them on a beautiful cake stand can also elevate your presentation, making the rolls even more enticing.
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 4 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active instant yeast
- 1 egg
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Directions:
- Warm the milk and butter in the microwave until the butter melts but is not hot.
- In a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, combine the flour, sugar, spices, yeast, and salt. Pour in the milk/butter mixture and mix on medium-low for 2 minutes.
- Add the egg and shredded carrots, then increase to high speed and mix for another 7 minutes. Add more flour if the dough is sticky.
- Form the dough into a smooth ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- For the filling, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and softened butter.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly and cut into 12 rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, and bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the rolls to cool for at least 10 minutes before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat together all ingredients until smooth and spread over the cooled rolls. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped nuts or drizzle with caramel.
Enjoy these delightful cinnamon rolls, perfect for making any day a little sweeter and more special!
