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Cinnamon Rolls with Heavy Cream

These cinnamon rolls with heavy cream have an impossibly tender crumb and lush richness, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream warmed to 110 degrees
  • 1/4 cup whole milk warmed to 110 degrees
  • 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast one packet
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar divided
  • 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Glaze
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch kosher salt
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream as needed for consistency

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Rolling pin
  • Sharp knife or bench scraper
  • Small saucepan for melting butter
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Instant read thermometer
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Pour the warm heavy cream and milk into a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar on top, and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Whisk in the remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  4. Mix the wet ingredients into the flour until a shaggy dough forms, then knead with a stand mixer and dough hook for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise at room temperature for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
  6. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, roll into a 16x12 inch rectangle, spread the softened butter, then sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt mixture evenly over the top.
  7. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, seal the seam, and cut into 12 equal pieces; arrange them cut-side up in a buttered 9x13 inch pan.
  8. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes, or refrigerate overnight and bring to room temperature before baking.
  9. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly golden brown.
  10. While baking, melt butter for the glaze in a small saucepan, whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and add heavy cream until pourable.
  11. Let the rolls cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve.

Notes

You can refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight and bake fresh in the morning for convenience.