Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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This recipe guides you through making classic cinnamon rolls, from shaping the dough to baking them to golden perfection. The image shows the rolls before and after baking, highlighting their transformation.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F/40-46°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar  
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar  
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Glaze (Optional):  

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Dough:

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
  3. Add Flour and Salt: Gradually add flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Filling and Shaping:

  1. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.  
  2. Roll Out Dough: Once dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  3. Spread Filling: Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough.
  4. Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 12-15 rolls.
  5. Second Rise: Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.

Baking:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).  
  2. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Glaze (Optional):

  1. Cream Ingredients: In a bowl, cream together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Add Sugar and Milk: Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
  3. Glaze Rolls: Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls.

Tips and Notes:

  • Warm Milk: Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
  • Kneading: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic for a soft and fluffy texture.
  • Rising Time: Adjust rising times depending on the warmth of your environment.
  • Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
  • Glaze Variations: Customize the glaze with other flavors, like maple or lemon.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.  

Enjoy your warm, homemade cinnamon rolls!

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