There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. These soft, pillowy pastries swirled with cinnamon and smothered in a luscious glaze are the epitome of indulgence. While the thought of making cinnamon rolls from scratch may seem daunting, fear not! I’m here to guide you through a simple and irresistible recipe that will have you savoring the warm and gooey delights of homemade cinnamon rolls in no time.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 4 tsp dry yeast
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup dry milk
- 4 large egg
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cake flour
For the filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
2. In a bowl fitted with a paddle mix butter, sugar, salt and dry milk on medium speed
3. Add eggs
4. Change the attachment to a dough hook, add flour, then yeast and water mixture
Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
Roll and Fill:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangular shape, approximately 16×12 inches.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the butter, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Roll and Cut:
Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
Bake and Glaze:
Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish(or you can bake them individually in mini cast iron pans like the ones pictured), leaving a little space between each one. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until they become puffy.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
While the rolls are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Enjoy and Share:
Dive into the gooey decadence of your homemade cinnamon rolls! Serve them warm and savor each bite. These delightful treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack. Share them with loved ones and bask in the joy of homemade goodness.
