Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Rolls

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

For the Filling:

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture.
4. Stir the ingredients together until a soft dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes 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 to release the air bubbles.
8. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches.
9. Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
11. Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log.
12. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
13. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or a parchment-lined baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll.
14. Cover the rolls loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
15. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.
16. Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
17. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting (if using) by beating together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
18. Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
19. If desired, spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.

These sweet cinnamon swirl rolls are irresistible when served warm and gooey. Enjoy the comforting aroma of cinnamon and the sweetness of the frosting in each delightful bite!