Cinnamon Rolls

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!