Classic Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by adjusting your oven rack to the middle position and preheating the oven to 200°F. Once it reaches 200°F, shut off the oven. Line a 13- by 9-inch baking pan with foil, letting some excess hang over the edges. Grease both the foil and a medium bowl.

2. Mix Milk and Yeast

In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together the warm milk and yeast until the yeast dissolves. Then, whisk in the eggs.

3. Prepare Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together the flour, cornstarch, granulated sugar, and salt until combined. Add the warm milk mixture in a steady stream and mix for 1 minute. Gradually increase the mixer speed to medium and add the softened butter, one piece at a time, allowing each piece to incorporate before adding the next. Continue mixing for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This step is crucial for proper gluten formation and ensuring a smooth texture.

4. Knead and Rise Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it into a smooth, round ball. Place the dough in the greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in the warm oven. Let it rise for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Prepare Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining the brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl.

6. Roll Out Dough

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into an 18-inch square. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough and sprinkle the filling mixture on top.

7. Form and Cut Rolls

Roll the dough into a tight cylinder, starting with the edge nearest you, and pinch the seam lightly to seal. Cut the cylinder into 8 equal pieces and transfer them to the prepared baking pan, cut-side up. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until they've doubled in size.

8. Prepare Glaze

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats up, whisk together the softened cream cheese, milk, vanilla extract, and confectioners' sugar in a medium bowl until smooth to make the glaze.

9. Bake Rolls

Discard the plastic wrap from the buns and bake them for 35 to 40 minutes, until they are a deep golden brown and the filling has melted.

10. Glaze Rolls

Transfer the pan to a wire rack and spread 1/2 cup of the glaze over the buns. Allow them to cool for 30 minutes. Using the foil overhang, lift the buns from the pan and top them with the remaining glaze.