Why Lovers Love Them
The Aroma: The scent of caramelizing sugar, yeasted dough, and warm cinnamon baking in an oven is universally irresistible.
The Center: “Center lovers” adore the gooey, pillowy soft middle roll that absorbs all the rich filling.
Versatility: They pair seamlessly with hot dark coffee, tea, or cold milk, making them a favorite for breakfasts, holidays, and late-night snacks.
🛒 Ingredients List
For the Dough
4 ½ cups All-Purpose or Bread Flour
1 pack (2 ¼ tsp) Active Dry Yeast
1 cup Warm Whole Milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
½ cup Granulated Sugar
⅓ cup Unsalted Butter, softened
2 Large Eggs, room temperature
1 tsp Salt
For the Gooey Cinnamon Filling
1 cup Dark Brown Sugar, packed
2 ½ tbsp Ground Cinnamon
⅓ cup Unsalted Butter, very soft
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
¼ cup Unsalted Butter, softened
1 ½ cups Powdered Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1-2 tbsp Milk (to adjust thickness)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions & Methods
Method 1: Dough Formation
1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, whisk warm milk, 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar, and the yeast. Let rest for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Wet & Dry: Add remaining sugar, softened butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk gently.
3. Form the Dough: Gradually add the flour 1 cup at a time. Mix using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead: Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5–7 minutes in a mixer) until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
5. First Proof: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a warm damp cloth, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours (until doubled in size).
Method 2: Assembly & Baking
1. Roll Out: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a roughly 12×18-inch rectangle.
2. Fill: Spread the soft butter evenly over the dough rectangle. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle generously over the butter, pressing down lightly.
3. Roll & Cut: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices (pro tip: use unscented dental floss for clean cuts without squishing the dough!).
4. Second Proof: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until light golden brown.