Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

For the Dough:

• 5 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, sifted like a cloud
• 1 tablespoon of instant yeast, the magic riser
• ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, sweet as a gentle whisper
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, the flavor enhancer
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, the essence of warmth
• 1 ¼ cups of milk, lukewarm to awaken the yeast
• 2 eggs at room temperature, for binding and richness
• 60 grams of butter, melted and cooled to just the right touch
• ½ cup of heavy cream, for an indulgent finish

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 115 grams of butter, softened to spreadable delight
• 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, ground into a spicy-sweet dust
• 1 cup of brown sugar, deep and molasses-like

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 60 grams of butter, softened to a tender state
• 120 grams of cream cheese, the creamy heart of the frosting
• ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, to cut through the sweetness
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, a dash of liquid gold
• 2 cups of powdered sugar, for a cloud of sweetness

Creating the Rolls:

1. In the welcoming bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, yeast, and sugar. Add the salt, and then the wet ingredients: the eggs, milk, vanilla, and butter. Begin mixing on low speed until the dough starts to form.
2. Increase to medium speed, letting the dough dance and knead for 8 minutes until it becomes a smooth, elastic ball.
3. Wrap the bowl with plastic and let the dough rise like the morning sun, doubling or tripling in volume.
4. Once risen, deflate the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a canvas of ¼-inch thickness.
5. For the filling, mix butter with cinnamon and brown sugar until it’s a paste of sweet perfection. Spread it over the dough with care.
6. Roll the dough into a log, sealing the edge, then slice into 12 even pieces with a serrated knife or dental floss.
7. Place the rolls in a greased pan, cover, and let them rise again until they’re puffy and ready for the oven.
8. Uncover, lavish them with heavy cream, and bake until they turn a tempting golden hue.
9. For the frosting, blend butter with cream cheese, salt, vanilla, and powdered sugar until it’s a smooth, heavenly spread.
10. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, crown them with cream cheese icing and watch them disappear!

Baker’s Notes:

• Room temperature ingredients are essential for a dough that’s easy to work with.
• Measure flour with a spoon and knife for the perfect consistency.
• Heat milk to just the right warmth—too hot, and you risk a yeast slumber.
• Freshness counts: ensure your yeast and flour are not past their prime for the fluffiest rolls.
• Patience is the secret ingredient; let the dough rise until it’s ready to bake into soft, tender rolls.

Indulge in the heartwarming joy of baking these cinnamon rolls, a perfect treat for any occasion or a luxurious weekend breakfast. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!