Mix together the warm water and yeast. Let sit for about 10 minutes. You will see the yeast activate – tiny bubbles will form at the surface and the liquid will thicken slightly.
In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, slowly combine yeast mixture with the remaining dough ingredients. Gradually add the flour 1 cup at a time until a soft dough is formed.
Place the dough in a well greased bowl and turn to coat. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow to rise until about double in size – about an hour to an hour and a half.
Remove dough from bowl and knead for 1-2 minutes, adding flour so it doesn’t stick to your hands or the countertop. Roll out into a large rectangle. The rectangle should be around 6”x22” but does not need to be exact.
Mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the filling
Spread the melted butter for the filling over the roll out dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly on top.
Starting with the long end of the dough, tightly roll the dough.
Cut the dough into 24 1 inch sections.
Spray 2 mini muffin pans with a non-stick cooking spray and place each piece of the dough into the muffin tins (spiral side up).
Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-60 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
While the rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake for 15-17 minutes until the edges of the rolls are slightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.
For the Frosting:
Beat together the cream cheese and butter with a stand up mixer or hand held mixer until creamy and smooth.
Add in the powdered sugar and milk. Mix until well combined.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
If the frosting is too thick, slowly add in more milk and if the frosting is too thin, add in more powdered sugar until the frosting is the consistency that you desire.
Spread the frosting over the rolls and then they are ready to serve and enjoy!
Notes
Store an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.