Ingredients:

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 4 oz softened cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit until foamy.
  2. Stir in melted butter, egg, and salt, then gradually add flour. Knead until the dough is smooth and tacky, but doesn't stick to fingers.
  3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 60-90 minutes).
  4. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12x18 inches.
  5. Spread softened butter evenly across the dough surface.
  6. Whisk brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle generously over the butter, pressing lightly to adhere.
  7. Tightly roll the dough into a log starting from the long edge and cut into 12 even pieces.
  8. Place rolls in a 9x13 inch baking pan and let rise for a second proof until expanded.
  9. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. Beat softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk together until smooth, then spread over warm rolls.