Spicy Sticky Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Spicy Sticky Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are a delightful twist on the classic treat, with a hint of heat to balance the sweetness. The soft, pillowy dough is swirled with a sticky cinnamon-spice filling, adding a subtle kick from ingredients like cayenne or chili powder. Topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese icing, these rolls are perfect for those who love a combination of sweet and spicy flavors. Enjoy these warm, gooey rolls as a special breakfast or dessert that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

For the cream cheese icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk

Instructions:

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water, and butter until warm (about 110°F/43°C). Add the warm liquid and the egg to the flour mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (or chili powder), nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
4. Assemble the rolls: Roll the dough out into a large rectangle (about 15×9 inches). Spread the cinnamon-spice filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
5. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Make the cream cheese icing: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, and mix until creamy.
8. Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes before drizzling the cream cheese icing on top. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet and spicy flavor!