Welcome to a culinary journey that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of freshly baked rolls. In just 90 minutes, you can transform your kitchen into a bakery, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon rolls. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast with loved ones or a delightful dessert for a special occasion, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the delightful world of homemade cinnamon rolls!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 package) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 egg
For the Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
For the Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the butter melts. Remove from heat and let it cool until it reaches a lukewarm temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, yeast, vanilla, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the lukewarm milk mixture, water, and egg to the flour mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Roll and Cut the Dough:
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll.
- Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once risen, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost and Serve:
- Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Spread the frosting over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly.
- Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy the gooey, indulgent goodness!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For an extra indulgent twist, add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling before rolling up the dough.
- Feel free to customize the frosting by adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a denser texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for the dough.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to use. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling and shaping the cinnamon rolls.
Q: Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls? A: Absolutely! Once the rolls are baked and cooled, you can freeze them for later enjoyment. Simply wrap the individual rolls or the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. To reheat, thaw the rolls overnight in the refrigerator, then warm them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I make keto-friendly or low-carb versions of these cinnamon rolls? A: Yes, you can! Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour in the dough, and use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of granulated sugar. For the frosting, opt for a keto-friendly sweetener like powdered erythritol. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly from the traditional recipe, but the result will still be delicious.
Indulge your senses with the heavenly aroma and irresistible taste of homemade cinnamon rolls. In just 90 minutes, you can create a batch of these warm, gooey treats that are sure to delight family and friends alike. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cinnamon rolls are a sweet reminder of the simple joys found in homemade baking. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food experience. Happy baking!
