Classic Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Classic Cinnamon Roll Recipe

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Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F to 115°F)
  • 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg

For the Filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Icing:

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Make the Dough:

  1. Proof the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
  3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the proofed yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix with a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer or by hand until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Roll Out the Dough:

  1. Prep the Surface: Lightly flour a clean work surface.
  2. Roll the Dough: Roll the dough into a 15×10-inch rectangle.
  3. Spread the Filling: Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
  4. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
  5. Cut the Rolls: Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

Shape the Rolls:

  1. Place in Pan: Place the cut rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. Second Rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffy.

Bake the Rolls:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Make the Icing:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add Liquid: Gradually beat in milk and vanilla extract until desired consistency is reached.

Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:

  1. Frost the Rolls: Once the rolls are cool, drizzle the icing over them.

Enjoy!

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, use a combination of white and brown sugar for the filling.
  • To make the rolls extra soft, add a splash of milk to the dough.
  • If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand.
  • For a fun twist, add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the filling.

Happy Baking!

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