Introduction
Ah, the sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen! There’s nothing quite like the comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls, with their soft, pillowy texture and rich, gooey centers bursting with cinnamon and sugar. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday morning or a special occasion, these delightful treats are sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table. Plus, they’re easier to make than you might think! Let’s dive into this simple recipe that will fill your kitchen with warmth and love.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy, signaling that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir in the freshly activated yeast mixture until everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, stirring until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl, creating a cohesive mixture.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic to the touch.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release any air pockets and roll it out into a rectangle measuring approximately 12×8 inches on a floured surface.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, then generously sprinkle with brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, ensuring the filling stays inside, and slice it into 12 equal rolls.
- Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes, during which they will puff up nicely.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and delightful.
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth to create a delicious icing.
- Once the rolls have baked to perfection, drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving them up for all to enjoy!
Notes or Tips
For a little extra flavor, feel free to add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or raisins to the filling. And if you love a cream cheese icing, you can easily swap the powdered sugar icing for a cream cheese frosting for a richer treat!
Cooking Techniques
Making cinnamon rolls might seem daunting at first, but don’t be discouraged! The key is in allowing the dough to rise properly, as that’s what gives these rolls their fluffy texture. Kneading the dough well is also crucial, so take your time to ensure it becomes smooth and elastic. And remember, practice makes perfect—each batch you make will turn out better and better!
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just reheat them in the oven before serving!
Conclusion
There you have it—delicious, homemade cinnamon rolls that are sure to bring joy to your mornings! Each bite is a soft and sweet adventure, topped with that delightful icing that brings everything together. So gather your loved ones, get baking, and enjoy the comforting bliss of these cinnamon rolls. Your kitchen will smell divine, and your taste buds will thank you!