Tyler's Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1In a medium bowl, combine water, granulated sugar, and yeast; set aside until very foamy, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, grease a large bowl with oil; set aside.

Step 2In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat prepared pudding, 8 tablespoons melted and cooled butter, and eggs on medium speed until well combined. Add yeast mixture and beat again until combined. Add salt and then flour, 1 cup at a time, incorporating it first on low speed, and then working your way up to medium speed, mixing well after each addition.

Step 3Turn dough out onto a floured surface, dust with flour, and knead to form a smooth ball, 1 to 2 minutes; transfer to prepared bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Step 4Grease a large, rimmed baking sheet with butter; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Transfer dough to a large, floured work surface and divide into 2 pieces. Roll out each piece into a 12- by 16-inch rectangle and spread 4 tablespoons butter over each. Scatter cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over dough, and then snugly roll up each rectangle, starting with the short side, to form 2 (12-inch) logs. Cut each log crosswise into 6 rolls and transfer to prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a light kitchen towel and set aside in a warm spot until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.

Step 5Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake rolls until puffed and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, make frosting: In a large bowl, beat remaining 8 tablespoons butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until well-combined and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla and beat again until creamy and combined, about 1 minute.

Step 6While rolls are still hot, drop a large dollop of frosting over the middle of each one, spreading it out a bit with the back of a spoon, and then scatter pecans over the top (if using). Serve rolls warm or at room temperature.

Looking for more dessert ideas? Check out our homemade chocolate chip cookie recipes, apple pie recipes, and chocolate cake recipes.