Cinnamon Rolls

recipe

• Step 1
  Warm the milk. Dissolve the yeast & 0.5 tbsp of the granulated sugar in the milk. Let it stand for 10 min.
• Step 2
  In a mixing bowl, combine 2.5 cups of flour (reserving 0.5 cup), 3 tbsp of granulated sugar (reserving 0.5 tbsp) & 1 tsp of salt. Then form a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
• Step 3
  Crack the egg into the well. Add the milk-yeast mixture & 3 tbsp of melted butter.
• Step 4
  Beat the batter vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula for 2-3 min. The dough should be smooth & elastic.
• Step 5
  Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Set it aside in a warm place to rise for 1.5 hours. The dough will double in volume.
• Step 6
  Sprinkle the dough with the remaining 0.5 cup of flour. Gently punch down the dough. Then knead it for 1-2 min.
• Step 7
  Cover the bowl again. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Meanwhile, bring the rest of the butter to room temperature.
• Step 8
  In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar & cinnamon. Stir until the mixture resembles a thick cinnamon-sugar paste.
• Step 9
  Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Lay it on a floured surface.
• Step 10
  Form the dough into a ball. Then roll it out into a rectangle.
• Step 11
  Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the entire surface of the dough.
• Step 12
  Starting with a long side of the rectangle, roll up the dough to form a cylinder. Tightly seal the fold closed by pinching it with your fingers.
• Step 13
  Push in the ends of the cylinder, so it's a bit thicker & shorter. Then cut it into 6 rolls.
• Step 14
  Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish. (Give them space to expand while baking!)
• Step 15
  Cover the dish with a damp towel. Let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30 min. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Step 16
  Brush the raised rolls with milk (optional). Bake them for 25 min at 350°F.
• Step 17
  While the rolls are baking, whip up the icing! In a small bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, the last 0.5 tbsp of granulated sugar & just enough water to make a smooth pourable icing.
• Step 18
  Remove the rolls from the oven. While they're still hot, drizzle the icing over top.
• Step 19
  Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!