Description
Classic Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients:
Dough:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 packet (7g) instant yeast
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup melted butter
1 egg
Filling:
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup softened butter
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Steps:
1. Prepare the dough:
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 5-7 minutes, then cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
2. Make the filling:
Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
3. Assemble the rolls:
Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly. Roll tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces.
4. Bake:
Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 20-25 minutes.
5. Prepare the glaze:
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
6. Serve:
Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cinnamon rolls. After mixing the dough ingredients, knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot. For the filling, ensure the butter is softened to a spreadable consistency to avoid tearing the dough. After rolling the dough into a 9×13 inch rectangle, spread the butter, then the cinnamon-sugar. Roll from the long side, pinching the seam to seal. Use unflavored dental floss to cut clean slices by sliding it under the roll, crossing the ends, and pulling tight. Place rolls in the greased pan with space to expand.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these classic cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. For a decadent breakfast, serve alongside crispy bacon or fresh fruit. They pair wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. For a special occasion, consider adding orange zest to the glaze or a sprinkle of chopped pecans to the filling before rolling. Leftovers (if any) can be gently reheated in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
How-to Summary
In brief: Mix and knead the dough, then let it rise. Roll it out, spread with butter and a cinnamon-sugar filling, then roll and slice. Let the sliced rolls rise again before baking until golden. Finally, drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze while still warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant? Yes, but you must activate it first. Proof the yeast in the warm milk with a pinch of the recipe’s sugar for 5-10 minutes until frothy, then proceed.
How can I make these rolls ahead of time? After placing the cut rolls in the pan, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
Why are my rolls dense? This is usually due to over-flouring the dough, using milk that is too hot (which kills the yeast), or not allowing enough time for either rise.
Can I freeze cinnamon rolls? Absolutely. Bake and cool the rolls without the glaze. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm, then add the fresh glaze.
What’s the best way to get a gooey center? Pack the rolls snugly in the baking dish so they rise up, not out. Also, ensure you use the full amount of filling and avoid over-baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot milk instead of warm (around 110°F/43°C) can deactivate the yeast.
- Adding too much flour during kneading, which creates a tough, dry dough.
- Not letting the dough double in size during the first rise, resulting in poor texture.
- Using cold butter for the filling, which can tear the dough when spreading.
- Over-baking, which dries out the rolls. Remove them when the tops are just golden brown.
Conclusion
Homemade cinnamon rolls are a rewarding baking project that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. By following this detailed guide and paying attention to the nuances of yeast, rising times, and baking, you can achieve soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced rolls every time. Remember to avoid the common pitfalls, and don’t hesitate to customize the glaze or filling to make this classic recipe your own. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!