Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, lukewarm (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 3 1/4 - 3 1/2 cups (390g - 420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: Proof the yeast in lukewarm milk with a teaspoon of sugar.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Combine the yeast mixture, remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, and egg.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.
- Roll and Fill: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll and Slice: Tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the cinnamon rolls in the prepared baking pan. Cover and let rise until puffy.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then gradually add milk until the desired consistency is reached.
- Glaze and Serve: Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly before frosting generously with the cream cheese glaze. Serve warm and enjoy these 'Saftige Zimtschnecken'!