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carter's cinnamon rolls recipe

Carter's Cinnamon Rolls

(Serves 15 | Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cook Time: 25-30 minutes)

Ingredients
  

Dough:

  • 10 cups 1200g all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup 200g sugar
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 cup warm water 240g
  • cups warm milk 360g
  • 2 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 4 eggs + 2 yolks room temperature
  • 1-2 tbsp vanilla bean paste/extract
  • 12 tbsp 170g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup 240g room temperature heavy cream (for topping) — drizzling this over the rolls before baking adds moisture, richness, and a golden-brown finish.

Filling:

  • 1 cup 200g sugar
  • 1 cup 200g brown sugar
  • 6 tbsp Saigon cinnamon
  • 12 tbsp 170g soft unsalted butter

Icing:

  • 8 oz cream cheese 227g
  • 1 cup 227g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp vanilla bean paste
  • 4 cups 500g powdered sugar

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  • In a stand mixer, combine all the dough ingredients except the butter. Mix until well incorporated.
  • Cover the bowl with a towel and let the mixture rest for 25 minutes.
  • Gradually add the butter in tablespoon-sized chunks, kneading for 5-8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky to the touch, with a uniform texture that springs back when lightly pressed.
  • Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Assemble the Rolls

  • Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a ½-inch thick rectangle.
  • Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, then sprinkle the sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon mixture.
  • Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, forming a log. Cut the log into 1.5 to 2-inch slices.
  • Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined 12”x18” baking pan, leaving space between each roll.

Step 3: Rise and Bake

  • Cover the pan loosely with a towel and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes. If your kitchen is on the cooler side, consider placing the pan in an oven with the light on to create a warm environment for the dough to rise effectively.
  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C). Just before baking, drizzle heavy cream over the rolls.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the centers reach an internal temperature of 180-190°F.

Step 4: Make the Icing

  • While the rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
  • Add maple syrup, vanilla paste, and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
  • Spread the icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.