Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk, warmed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
7. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 16x24 inches.
9. Spread the softened butter over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
10. Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
11. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
12. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
13. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
14. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
15. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
16. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top.