📝 About This Recipe
Inspired by the iconic breakfast fast-food counters that fill the air with the scent of warm spice, these rolls feature a pillowy, brioche-style dough and a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl. The secret lies in a heavy cream soak before baking, which creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that rivals any professional bakery. Finished with a decadent wave of tangy cream cheese frosting, these are the gold standard of indulgent morning treats.
🥗 Ingredients
The Yeast Dough
- 1 cup Warm Milk (between 105-115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (one standard packet)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/3 cup Unsalted Butter (melted and cooled slightly)
- 1 large Egg (at room temperature)
- 4 cups Bread Flour (plus extra for dusting; all-purpose works but bread flour is fluffier)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
The Cinnamon Filling
- 1 cup Brown Sugar (packed; light or dark)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon (use high-quality Korintje cinnamon for that 'fast food' flavor)
- 1/3 cup Unsalted Butter (very soft, spreadable)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (to be poured over the rolls before baking)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 ounces Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 pinch Salt (to balance the sweetness)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant.
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2
Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk gently to combine.
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3
Attach the dough hook. Gradually add the bread flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
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4
Knead the dough on medium-low speed for 5-7 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticking to your clean finger.
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5
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a warm damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
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6
While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Ensure your 1/3 cup of butter is soft enough to spread like mayo.
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7
Gently punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches.
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8
Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border at the top edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the butter.
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9
Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Use unflavored dental floss or a very sharp serrated knife to cut the log into 12 even rolls.
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10
Place the rolls into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until they are puffy and touching each other.
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11
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Just before sliding the pan into the oven, pour the 1/2 cup of heavy cream evenly over the top and down the sides of the rolls.
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12
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden brown on top. Do not overbake; we want them soft!
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13
While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, and whip until fluffy.
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14
Let the rolls cool for about 5-10 minutes, then spread half of the frosting over them while they are still warm so it seeps into the spirals. Spread the remaining frosting once they have cooled a bit more.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use a thermometer to ensure your milk isn't too hot, or you will kill the yeast; 110°F is the sweet spot. The heavy cream pour is the 'secret' to that gooey fast-food texture—don't skip it! For the cleanest cuts, use unflavored dental floss: slide it under the log, cross it over the top, and pull quickly. If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in an oven that is turned off with the light left on. Always use room temperature cream cheese for the frosting to avoid unappetizing lumps.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a tall glass of cold whole milk for the classic experience. Pair with a dark roast coffee or a double espresso to cut through the intense sweetness. A side of crispy, salty bacon provides a perfect savory contrast to the sugar and spice. For an extra 'fast food' vibe, drizzle with a little extra caramel sauce before serving. Enjoy immediately, or reheat for 15 seconds in the microwave to restore that 'just-baked' softness.