Homemade Gooey Cinnamon Rolls
INGREDIENTS
Dough
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast or instant yeast
1 cup milk lukewarm (~105 degrees F)
½ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup butter softened
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
1 cup light or dark brown sugar packed (I prefer dark)
▢3 tbsp cinnamon
⅓ cup butter melted
Cream cheese icing
6 tbsp butter softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
¼ cup cream cheese room temperature
½ tsp vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
For the rolls, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk with a tsp of sugar (you can take a tsp out of the 1/2 cup of sugar) in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. If the yeast is good, it will start to froth up.
To the bowl of your mixer add the sugar, butter, salt, eggs, and flour and mix until well incorporated.
Pour the milk/yeast mixture over the flour mixture and using the dough hook, mix well until well incorporated and the dough comes clean from the side of the bowl.
Place the dough into an oiled bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface, until it is approximately 16 inches long by 12 inches wide. It should be approximately 1/4 inch in thickness.
Spread the 1/3 cup of butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the sugar evenly over the surface of the dough.
Working carefully, from the long edge, roll the dough down to the bottom edge.
Cut the dough into 1 1/2 inch slices, and place in a lightly greased baking pan. You can also use floss to cut into slices! Place the cut rolls in the prepared pan. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cooking time can vary greatly so keep a close eye on it. Note: I always under bake mine so they are gooey, around 15 minutes.
While the rolls are baking make the icing by mixing all the icing ingredients and beat well with an electric mixer until fluffy and smooth.
When the rolls are done, spread generously with icing.