Introduction
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the warm, enticing aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. These delightful rolls are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a comforting hug for the soul. Soft, pillowy dough swirled with a rich, cinnamon-sugar filling and drizzled with a sweet icing – they’re the perfect way to start your day or to enjoy as a sweet snack at any time. Let’s dive into the recipe for the best cinnamon rolls ever!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2-3 tbsp milk (for icing)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for icing)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
- In a saucepan, heat the whole milk and melted butter over low heat until warm (but not boiling). Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Add the eggs to the bowl and mix until well combined and the batter is smooth.
- Gradually add in the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- While the dough is rising, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl for the filling.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll the dough out into a rectangle about 15×10 inches in size.
- Spread the softened butter over the surface of the rolled dough, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown on top.
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl to create the icing.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the icing generously over the warm rolls before serving. Enjoy the delightful sweetness!
Notes or Tips
For an extra flavor boost, try adding a bit of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar filling. You can also experiment with the icing by folding in a little cream cheese for a richer taste. These rolls are best enjoyed warm, but you can reheat leftovers briefly in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that fresh-baked taste!
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough is crucial to developing gluten, which creates that lovely chewy texture. Make sure to flour your work surface adequately to prevent sticking, and don’t hesitate to adjust the flour quantity as needed; different climates and humidity levels can affect dough consistency. Letting your rolls rise twice will enhance their fluffiness, so don’t rush that step!
FAQ
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, roll it, and slice the rolls, then cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them warm up and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, you can freeze the rolls in an airtight container or freezer bag. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready for a delicious treat.
Conclusion
With their soft, pillowy texture and irresistible burst of cinnamon flavor, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a household favorite. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as a delightful afternoon snack, they bring comfort and joy to any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to the joy of baking these scrumptious rolls – you won’t regret it!