Introduction
Welcome to the world of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls that are bound to fill your kitchen with delightful aromas and your heart with happiness. There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house, inviting everyone to gather around the table. These cinnamon rolls are incredibly fluffy, generously swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with a luscious vanilla icing. Perfect for weekend brunches or a sweet treat any time of day, let’s get ready to create some magic!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk (not hot, just warm enough to touch), yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s bubbly and frothy—this means your yeast is alive and kicking!
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon for a touch of cozy flavor.
- Add in the melted butter, eggs, and the bubbly yeast mixture to your dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms, and it feels inviting to your touch.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, like a little pillow of happiness.
- 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 hour or until it has doubled in size. This is when the magic happens!
- Once your dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, taking care to keep it even for uniform rolls.
- Spread the softened butter generously over the dough, then sprinkle with a delightful blend of brown sugar and ground cinnamon, creating a tempting filling.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other and cut it into 12 equal pieces. You can use dental floss or a knife for clean cuts.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes—this step is key for that fluffy texture.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing yourself for the joyful baking moment ahead.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and your home is filled with irresistible scents.
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create a creamy icing that will take these rolls over the top.
- Once the rolls are done, drizzle the warm icing over the rolls before serving so that it melts into every swirl.
Notes or Tips
For extra gooey rolls, you can place a pan of water in the oven while they bake. This helps create steam, leading to a softer texture. Enjoy your rolls fresh out of the oven for the best experience, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days. Just warm them up to relive that fresh-baked goodness!
Cooking Techniques
When baking cinnamon rolls, don’t rush the proofing stages. Allowing the dough to rise properly results in a wonderfully airy texture. Additionally, kneading is essential to develop gluten, giving your rolls structure. Lastly, remember that a gentle roll when forming the dough ensures your filling stays intact.
FAQ
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and then refrigerate them overnight. Just let them come to room temperature before baking.
How can I make these rolls more decadent?
Consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the filling for an extra pop of flavor and texture!
Conclusion
You’re now on your way to making the best cinnamon rolls ever! Whether you’re treating your family or having a cozy brunch with friends, these rolls will undoubtedly bring smiles and warm hearts. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner baker, and enjoy every lovely bite of these homemade treasures!