🍥 Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients
For the Dough
¾ cup warm milk
2¼ tsp active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
½ tsp salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Filling
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
½ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp milk, as needed
👩‍🍳 Instructions
Activate the yeast:
Combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
Make the dough:
Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead:
Knead the dough for about 7–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the filling:
Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts or pecans.
Roll and fill:
Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
Roll and cut:
Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut it into 10–12 equal rolls.
Arrange and bake:
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–28 minutes, until lightly golden.
Add the frosting:
Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add a little milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. Spread generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.