Mom’s Best Cinnamon Rolls from Say Cheese!
Mom’s Best Cinnamon Rolls bring a comforting, homemade touch to Say Cheese!, a romance that continually asks what “home” really means. Rose longs for stability, familiar routines, and a place where she can build both a writing career and a lasting relationship. Sean, meanwhile, is accustomed to film sets, stunt work, and living out of a suitcase. Soft, sweet, and meant to be shared, these cinnamon rolls reflect the warmth Rose craves—and the kind of life Sean must decide whether he is willing to make room for. They are an especially fitting companion to a story in which love may require both adventure and something dependable to return to.
Download the Printable RecipeIngredients
Dough
- 3/4 cup warm milk, preferably whole or 2% (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons quick-rise or active dry yeast (one 1/4-ounce package)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 2/3 cup dark brown sugar (light brown also works)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Set out the eggs to reach room temperature. Warm the milk to about 110°F. Transfer it to a mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top. Add the sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Mix until well combined, then stir in the flour and salt until a dough begins to form.
- Using a dough hook, knead on medium speed for 8 minutes. The dough should form a ball and remain slightly sticky. If it sticks heavily to the bottom of the mixer, add 2 tablespoons of bread flour. Alternatively, knead by hand for 8–10 minutes on a well-floured surface.
- Transfer the dough to a well-oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a warm towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled.
- Transfer the dough to a well-floured surface and roll into a 14-by-9-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle it over the buttered dough and gently blend it into the butter with your hands.
- Starting from a 9-inch side, tightly roll the dough into a tube. Place seam-side down, seal the edge, and trim about 1 inch from each end.
- Cut into nine 1-inch rolls using a serrated knife or dental floss. Line a 9-by-9-inch pan or 9-inch round cake pan with parchment and spray with cooking spray. Arrange the rolls in the pan.
- Cover with plastic wrap and a warm towel and let rise again for 30–45 minutes. For overnight rolls, refrigerate after placing them in the pan, then let them sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes the next morning before baking.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the coverings and bake for 20–25 minutes, until only slightly golden around the edges. Do not overbake. Cool for 5–10 minutes before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy and smooth. Spread over the rolls and serve.
Can a Homebody Fall for a Human Adrenaline Rush?
Sewickley librarian Rose Oliver has just landed a dream publishing deal, along with deadlines daunting enough to make her question whether she belongs in the literary spotlight. Professional stuntman Sean Ross lives at the opposite extreme, traveling from one risky production to the next and avoiding any attachment that might ask him to stay put. After an unforgettable meeting at a destination wedding in Turks and Caicos, attraction pulls them into a romance spanning Pittsburgh, Paris, and beyond. But Rose wants a permanent home, while Sean has built his life around leaving. Say Cheese! is a witty, heartfelt romance about ambition, adventure, and finding someone worth changing your plans for.
Follow Rose and Sean as they discover whether love can offer both the adventure of a lifetime and a place to call home.
Discover Say Cheese!