Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

For the dough:

• ¾ cup whole milk plus ½ cup for basting

• 2¼ teaspoons quick rise or instant yeast (¼-ounce package yeast)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 eggs, room temperature

• ¼ cup salted butter, melted 

• 3 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting

• ¾ teaspoon salt

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For the filling:

• ½ cup salted butter, very soft (almost melted)

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

• ½ cup whole milk, room temperature

For the frosting:

• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup salted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Adapted from Ambitious Kitchen and Tastes of Lizzy T

1. Make the dough: Warm milk for dough on stovetop or in microwave (should be between 105℉ - 115℉). Transfer warm milk to the bowl of an electric mixer and sprinkle yeast on top. Add in sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Whisk together with a fork. 

2. Add flour and salt and mix using the beater blade on stand mixer just until the ingredients are barely combined. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes.

3. Scrape dough off blade with a rubber spatula and replace with hook and knead dough on medium speed for 5-7 minutes. Dough should be slightly sticky. 

4. Transfer dough to a well-oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Allow dough to rise for 1 hour to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size. 

5. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the soft butter, brown sugar and cinnamon, mixing until well combined. Set aside.

6. After dough has doubled in size, transfer dough to a well-floured surface and roll out into a 14x9 inch rectangle. 

7. Use a rubber spatula to smooth the cinnamon filling over the whole dough rectangle. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.

8. Starting at one of the 9-inch ends, begin rolling the dough. Make sure to roll the dough tightly and evenly.

9. Cut roll into 1 inch sections with a serrated knife or floss. Place in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, and cover the pan with plastic wrap. Allow the rolls to rise for 30 minutes or until nearly doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375℉.

10. Once the rolls have risen, pour the milk for filling over the top of the rolls, allowing it to soak down in and around the rolls.

11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until lightly browned on top. Allow to cool for a few minutes until warm but no longer hot.

12. Make the frosting: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter using a hand mixer. Blend until fluffy.

13. Add in maple syrup and powdered sugar, and mix until well combined and smooth.

14. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls, and enjoy.