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Freezer Cinnamon Rolls

Freezer Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 1/2 cups all‑purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, very soft
  • 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tbsp whole milk

Method
 

  1. Mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar; let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt, then 3 cups flour until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Knead on a floured surface 6 to 8 minutes, adding remaining flour as needed. Place in a buttered bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
  3. Punch down and roll dough into an 18 by 12‑inch rectangle. Spread with soft butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture, pressing lightly.
  4. Roll up tightly from a long edge, pinch seam, and slice into 12 rounds. Place cut‑side up on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place desired number of frozen rolls in a buttered pan. Bake 22 to 26 minutes until golden and set. Beat icing ingredients together and spread over hot rolls. Serve warm.

Notes

The active prep time is the mixing, kneading, and shaping. After slicing the rolls, they need to freeze for at least 2 hours before they can be transferred to a bag. From that point on, bake directly from frozen whenever you want them.