Description
Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. These golden, gooey delights are more than just a breakfast treat—they’re a symbol of warmth, comfort, and love. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll create cinnamon rolls that rival any bakery’s offerings.
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 4 cups flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup softened butter
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparing the Dough:
-
Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, warm 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of butter until the butter is melted. Let it cool slightly, then whisk in 2 eggs. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. -
Kneading the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time. -
Letting It Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Preparing the Filling: 4. Combining Cinnamon and Sugar:
In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of brown sugar and 2 1/2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon.
-
Spreading Butter:
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches). Spread 1/3 cup of softened butter evenly over the dough. -
Sprinkling the Filling:
Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough, ensuring it reaches all the edges.
Shaping and Baking: 7. Cutting the Dough into Rolls:
Starting from the long edge, roll up the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12-15 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
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Arranging in a Baking Pan:
Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll. -
Baking Time and Temperature:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Perfecting the Frosting: 10. Making a Smooth Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Adjusting Sweetness Levels:
Taste the frosting as you mix, and adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your preference. Some might prefer a tangier frosting, while others might like it sweeter.
Notes
- Kneading Tips: Ensure the dough is kneaded well to develop gluten for a chewy texture. Kneading helps to make the dough elastic, which is crucial for the rolls to rise properly.
- Ideal Rising Conditions: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment. A good tip is to preheat your oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside the oven.
- Enhancing the Flavor: Fresh butter, eggs, and cinnamon make a noticeable difference in the taste of your rolls. High-quality ingredients will elevate the flavor profile significantly.
- Adding a Touch of Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg in the cinnamon-sugar mixture can add a warm, spiced depth to the rolls, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Scandinavian