Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. These quick yeast cinnamon rolls are perfect for a cozy weekend treat or a delightful breakfast any day of the week. With their golden-brown tops and a soft, fluffy interior, each bite is a burst of flavor that is sure to brighten your morning. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’ll have your loved ones reaching for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons milk (for glaze)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 cinnamon rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and foamy — a sign that the yeast is active!
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring until smooth.
- Once the yeast mixture is ready, incorporate it into the butter mixture and stir until well blended.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 1-2 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once risen, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangular shape. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this delightful mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into 8 equal pieces.
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish and allow them to rise for an additional 15 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the rolls are a beautiful golden brown.
- While your rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with milk until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and drizzle the glaze generously over the top before serving.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch, feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins into the filling. If you prefer a richer glaze, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for a couple of days.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe utilizes a simple kneading technique that helps develop the dough’s structure, ensuring each roll rises beautifully. Remember to keep your work surface and hands lightly floured to prevent sticking. As always, patience is key while allowing the dough to rise — it’s worth the wait for that soft, fluffy texture!
FAQ
- Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and rolling before rising, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature and finish the rising process before baking.
- What if I don’t have active dry yeast? You can use instant yeast instead, and there’s no need to proof it in warm milk—just mix it directly into your dry ingredients!
Conclusion
These quick yeast cinnamon rolls are a wonderful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. With their easy preparation and delightful taste, they are sure to create happy memories and warm smiles at the table. So gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and bask in the joy of sharing homemade goodness!