Cinnamon Rolls

Dough Ingredients:

¾ cup warm whole milk (110 degrees F)

2 ¼ teaspoons active yeast 

¼ cup honey

1 egg plus 1 egg yolk at room temperature

¼ cup butter, melted 

3 cups Niobrara Grain and Milling Bread Flour, plus more for dusting

¾ teaspoon salt

For the filling:

⅔ cup brown sugar 

1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon

¼ cup butter, softened

For the cream cheese frosting:

4 oz  cream cheese, softened

3 tablespoons butter, softened

¾ cup powdered sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Warm milk to around 110 degrees F. Transfer warm milk to the bowl of an electric mixer and sprinkle yeast on top. Add in sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Next, stir in flour and salt with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.

Place the dough hook on a stand mixer and knead the dough at medium speed for 8 minutes. The dough should form into a nice ball and be slightly sticky. 

Transfer the dough ball to a well-oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow dough to rise for 1 hour to 1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.

After the dough doubles, transfer it to a well-floured surface and roll it out into a 14x9-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving an ¼ inch margin at the far side of the dough.

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together. Use your hands to sprinkle the mixture over the buttered dough, then rub the brown sugar mixture into the butter.

Tightly roll the dough up, starting from the 9-inch side, and place the seam side down, making sure to seal the edges of the dough as best you can.

Cut into 1-inch sections with a serrated knife or floss. You should get 9 large pieces. Place cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x9 inch baking pan or round 9-inch cake pan. Cover with plastic wrap and a warm towel, and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove plastic wrap and towel and bake cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes or until slightly golden brown on the edges. Allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes before frosting.

To make the frosting:

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Spread over cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.