Ingredients:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
- 2 1/4 tsp (7g) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
- 4 tbsp (55g) unsalted butter, very soft
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp (16g) ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp (2g) vanilla extract
- 4 oz (115g) light cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp (30g) melted butter
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp (30ml) heavy cream
Instructions:
- Warm the milk to 110°F (43°C). Stir in the granulated sugar and active dry yeast, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until a foamy layer forms on top.
- Add the 85g softened butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture, then gradually incorporate the flour until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface or in a mixer for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle roughly 12x18 inches. Spread the 55g soft butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle with the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir vanilla extract into the filling if desired.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long edge. Use dental floss or a serrated knife to slice the log into 12 even rolls.
- Place rolls in a 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours).
- Remove from the fridge and let the rolls sit at room temperature for 45–60 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the tops are mahogany gold and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Whisk together the light cream cheese, 30g melted butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth. Spread the glaze over the rolls while they are still warm.