Cinnamon Swirl Sweet Rolls

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm (about 110°F/43°C).
3. Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the eggs. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
8. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the filling. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
9. Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
10. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, cover them loosely with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they double in size.
11. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
12. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
13. While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
14. Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls.

These homemade cinnamon swirl sweet rolls are deliciously soft, filled with a delightful cinnamon-sugar mixture, and topped with a sweet glaze. Enjoy these irresistible treats as a breakfast delight or a comforting snack!