Aunt Catfish's Famous Cinnamon Rolls from Aunt Catfish's on the River feature soft, fluffy dough swirled with fragrant cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a generous drizzle of sweet cream cheese icing, offering a warm and irresistible treat.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Dough hook (optional, for stand mixer)
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife or dough cutter
- Baking dish or baking pan
- Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
- Oven
- Wire rack
- Small saucepan (for melting butter, if needed)
- Spoon or offset spatula (for spreading icing)
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Ensure your warm milk is between 100degF to 110degF to activate the 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast effectively without killing it. Use 4 cups of all-purpose flour to achieve the soft, fluffy dough base typical of Aunt Catfish's Famous Cinnamon Rolls. The filling blends 1 cup of packed brown sugar with 2 1/2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter to create that signature sweet swirl. For the cream cheese icing, soften 4 ounces of cream cheese and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter before mixing with 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2-3 tablespoons milk to get the perfect drizzle consistency. Your homemade Aunt Catfish's Famous Cinnamon Rolls from Aunt Catfish's on the River copycat menu will deliver that irresistible fragrance and warmth you're craving.
Instructions
- Warm milk to about 110°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs; whisk until combined.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until dough forms.
- Knead dough by hand or use stand mixer with dough hook for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl; cover with plastic wrap or towel; let rise in warm place until doubled (about 1-1.5 hours).
- Punch down dough; transfer to floured surface.
- Roll dough into a rectangle (about 16x12 inches).
- Spread softened butter for filling over dough.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over buttered dough.
- Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log.
- Slice log into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dough cutter.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish or pan.
- Cover with plastic wrap or towel; let rise until doubled, about 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake rolls 22-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Prepare icing: beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk; mix until creamy.
- Spread icing over warm cinnamon rolls with spatula or spoon.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Aunt Catfish's Famous Cinnamon Rolls from Aunt Catfish's on the River copycat menu call for active dry yeast, but instant yeast can be used as a substitute if you skip proofing and mix it directly with dry ingredients. If you don't have brown sugar for the filling, a combination of granulated sugar with a touch of molasses provides a similar rich flavor and moisture. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook simplifies kneading, though hand kneading with a firm surface works just as well to develop gluten for a soft, fluffy texture. When rolling out the dough, ensure it's evenly thick to prevent uneven baking or overly dense spots in your cinnamon rolls. Your cream cheese icing can be adjusted in consistency by adding more milk for a thinner drizzle or less for a thicker spread, allowing you to customize sweetness and texture.
Tips
Ensure the milk is warmed to about 110degF to activate the yeast properly for dough rising. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, which typically takes 5-7 minutes, helping develop gluten for a fluffy texture. Roll the dough tightly when forming the log to create distinct cinnamon sugar swirls in each roll. Apply cream cheese icing while the rolls are still warm for better spreading and enhanced flavor absorption.
Nutritions
Aunt Catfish's Famous Cinnamon Rolls provide a rich source of carbohydrates primarily from the all-purpose flour and sugars, fueling your body's energy needs. The combination of eggs and unsalted butter contributes protein and healthy fats, supporting muscle repair and hormone production. Cream cheese icing adds calcium and vitamin A, enhancing the nutritional profile while offering a creamy, indulgent flavor. Your treat offers a balanced mix of macronutrients, but enjoy in moderation due to its sugar and fat content.
Storage
Store Aunt Catfish's Famous Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and flavor. For longer storage, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the rolls at room temperature and warm them gently in the oven to restore their fresh-baked texture and your creamy icing's luscious taste.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nutty flavor and increase fiber content in your cinnamon rolls. For a richer texture, try using melted coconut oil instead of butter in the dough and filling. If you prefer a dairy-free option, replace the cream cheese icing with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and almond milk. To intensify the cinnamon aroma, sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom into the filling mixture before rolling the dough.
Allergies
Aunt Catfish's Famous Cinnamon Rolls contain common allergens such as wheat in the all-purpose flour and dairy in the butter, milk, cream cheese, and icing ingredients. Eggs are also present, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. You should exercise caution if you have allergies to gluten, dairy, or eggs when enjoying these cinnamon rolls.
Why this recipe?
Aunt Catfish's Famous Cinnamon Rolls from Aunt Catfish's on the River are beloved for their fluffy texture, rich cinnamon flavor, and generous drizzle of creamy icing that creates a perfect balance of sweetness. The rolls are made with high-quality ingredients, offering a fresh, homemade taste that stands out from typical cinnamon rolls. You'll find the recipe worth trying to replicate because it captures the authentic Southern charm and indulgent comfort that make the original so irresistible. Enjoying these cinnamon rolls at home lets you recreate the warm, satisfying experience anytime.