Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:
– 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
– 3/4 cup warm water
– 1 Tbsp sugar (for yeast activation)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/3 cup sugar
– 4 Tbsp cinnamon-honey butter (or unsalted butter, melted)
– 1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk (room temp)
– Non-stick spray (for greasing bowl)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar (filling)
– 1/4 cup white sugar (filling)
– 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon (filling)
– Extra butter/cinnamon-honey mix (for spreading on dough & topping)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (for pouring over rolls before baking)

🍥 Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 3 Tbsp softened unsalted butter
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– 3/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 tsp vanilla (powder or extract)

👩🏾‍🍳 Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast:
Mix warm water, yeast packet, and 1 Tbsp sugar. Stir well and let sit until bubbly (5–10 mins).

1. Make Dough:
   In a large bowl, sift flour. Add salt, sugar, and butter. Mix lightly. Add egg + egg yolk. Pour in yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then knead by hand until dough is soft and not sticky.

2. First Rise:
   Grease a clean bowl with non-stick spray. Place dough ball inside, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour in a warm spot).

3. Prepare Filling:
   Mix brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon together. Set aside.

4. Roll Out Dough:
   Punch down risen dough. Lightly flour surface. Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter/cinnamon-honey evenly. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture generously.

5. Shape Rolls:
   Roll dough tightly into a log. Slice into rolls (big or small as desired). Place into greased baking dish. Gently press tops down.

6. Second Rise:
   Cover and let rolls proof again until puffy. (Tip: place in warm oven ~150–170°F with a pan of steaming water for best rise).

7. Add Cream & Bake:
   Drizzle heavy cream over rolls. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Check at 20 minutes to prevent overbrowning.

8. Make Frosting:
   Beat butter + cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip until fluffy.

9. Frost Rolls:
   Spread frosting on warm rolls right out of oven so it melts slightly. Add more once cooled if you like extra gooeyness.

🍴 Serve warm — perfect at night with milk or fresh in the morning for breakfast!