Ingredients
Method
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), pour in the lukewarm milk. Sprinkle the yeast and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar over the milk. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This shows the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: To the yeast mixture, add the remaining granulated sugar, the beaten egg, and the melted butter. Whisk to combine. Add the strong bread flour and salt. If using a stand mixer, fit it with the dough hook and mix on a low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Increase the speed to medium and knead for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, mix with a wooden spoon until a dough forms, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes.
- First Proof: Lightly grease a large bowl with a little oil. Form the dough into a ball and place it in the bowl, turning it over to coat lightly. Cover the bowl with cling film or a clean tea towel. Leave it to rise in a warm, draught-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until it forms a smooth, spreadable paste.
- Assemble the Rolls: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 30cm x 45cm (12 x 18 inches). Spread the cinnamon-butter paste evenly over the dough, leaving a small 1cm border along one of the long edges. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge opposite the clean border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it. What works best for me is using unflavoured dental floss to slice the rolls; it gives a clean cut without squashing them. Slide the floss under the log and cross the ends over the top to slice. Cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
- Second Proof: Grease a 23cm x 33cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in the dish. Cover loosely with cling film and let them rise again in a warm place for 45-60 minutes, until they look puffy and are touching each other.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Uncover the rolls and bake for 20-25 minutes, until they are a beautiful golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let them cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes before icing.
- Make the Icing: While the rolls are cooling, make the icing. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sifted icing sugar and vanilla extract and beat on a low speed until combined, then increase the speed to high and beat for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Ice and Serve: Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the warm rolls. The heat will cause it to melt slightly and seep into all the crevices. Serve immediately.
Notes
Best served warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
