Ingredients
For the Dough
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup whole milk (room temperature)
– 1/4 cup water (room temperature)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
– 1 large egg (room temperature)
For the Filling
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
– 4 oz (115g) cream cheese (room temperature)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, water, melted butter, and egg.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if using.
Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover the dish with a damp cloth and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls. Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving.