Step 1

In the bowl of a standing mixer, proof:

7 g active dry yeast

0.75 cup(s) warm milk

...add a pinch of sugar. Mix until well combined. Wait 5-10 minutes for the mixture to form a foam on the top. This will prove the yeast is active so you don't waste ingredients in the event it isn't.

Note: 7g of active dry yeast would be 2.25 tsp or 1 packet.

Step 2

Now to the same bowl, add:

3 cups bread flour

0.25 cup(s) granulated sugar

4 TBSP melted butter

2 whole eggs

With the dough hook attachment, mix until combined.

Step 3

Grease a large bowl with butter or oil. Dump the dough into the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let the dough double in size (about 1.5 hrs in a warm home).

Step 4

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a 9-inch by 13-inch rectangle. Using your hands or a spatula, spread 4 TBSP of butter all over the rolled out dough. In a small bowl, mix:

0.66667 cup(s) (2/3 cup = original) brown sugar

1.5 TBSP ground cinnamon

Now, sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture over the dough.

Step 5

Pre-heat the oven to 350 F. Roll the dough up (the rolled dough should be 13-inches long). Use a knife to score where you will cut the dough. Use a thread to cut the rolls by positioning it underneath, crossing it above the dough then pulling it as if trying to make a knot.

Line a large baking sheet or dish with parchment paper. Place the rolls on the sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Note: You can place the rolls on the baking sheet spread apart, or you can keep them closer together to form a 'cake'.

Step 6

While the rolls bake, make the icing. Using the standing mixer, whisk:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

3 TBSP salted butter

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Whisk until well combined. Set aside.

Note: I like my icing less sweet and more 'cream cheesy' and thick to balance out the sweetness of the rolls, but find what you like! Use less cream cheese and sugar if you want a less thick icing. If you want yours sweeter and thinner, use more sugar and maybe some milk or heavy cream to thin it out.

Step 7

When the rolls are done, you can either ice them or ice them as you eat them.

For my small household, I usually don't ice them all because we don't eat them all in one sitting. Do what works for your family!

Step 8

Serve and enjoy!