Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup sugar, divided
• 1 cup plus 2 tbsp warm whole milk (115°F)
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted, divided
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp whole milk

Instructions

1. Place 1 tbsp of the sugar, warm milk, and yeast in a standing mixer bowl, whisk together, and let sit for 5 to 7 minutes or until it begins to foam.
2. Add the flour, remaining sugar, and 1/2 stick of melted butter. Mix with the hook attachment at medium speed until combined.
3. Add 1 egg and mix until combined, then add the second egg. Mix on low speed for 3 to 4 minutes, ensuring each egg is fully absorbed before adding the next.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Alternatively, refrigerate overnight.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 18 x 24 inches.
6. Brush 1 stick of melted butter evenly over the dough using a pastry brush. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the entire surface.
7. Roll the dough tightly from back to front and slice into 2-inch wide rolls.
8. Place the rolls cut side up in a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish, about 1 inch apart. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another hour or until doubled in size.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.
10. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
11. While the rolls are baking, whip together the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2-3 tbsp milk in a standing mixer with the whisk attachment until light and fluffy.
12. Pour the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.