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There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of homemade cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. The allure of these delightful pastries transcends mere taste; it evokes memories of cozy mornings, family gatherings, and perhaps even a drizzle of nostalgia as you savor each gooey bite. Homemade cinnamon rolls are more than just a breakfast treat; they represent a labor of love, combining simple ingredients to create a warm, soft, and utterly indulgent experience.

Best-Ever Cinnamon Rolls – Soft & Gooey!

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Heavenly Twisted Cinnamon Rolls recipe! This step-by-step guide takes you through creating soft, gooey rolls filled with a rich cinnamon-brown sugar mixture, all topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Discover the secrets to perfect dough, flavors, and textures that will fill your kitchen with delightful aromas. Enjoy these warm treats for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and create lasting memories with every bite.
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Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

½ cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F)

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

½ cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-2 tablespoons milk (to desired consistency)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

    - In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-7 minutes until frothy.

      - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture once it’s ready.

        - Gradually add in the flour and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

          Make the Filling:

            - In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined. You can add chopped nuts and raisins at this time if desired.

              Roll the Dough:

                - Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (approximately 16x24 inches). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

                  Shape the Rolls:

                    - Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces (use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts).

                      Second Rise:

                        - Place the rolled cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving some space between each roll. Cover with a cloth and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.

                          Bake:

                            - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Make sure not to overbake for that soft and gooey texture!

                              Prepare the Frosting:

                                - While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a bit of milk to reach your desired frosting consistency.

                                  Frost and Serve:

                                    - Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Allow it to melt into the warm rolls before serving.

                                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 2 hours | 12 servings