Are you craving the warm, gooey goodness of a freshly baked cinnamon roll? Forget the store-bought ones – this recipe will guide you to create the ultimate homemade Betty Crocker-inspired cinnamon rolls, bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, a special brunch, or even a delightful afternoon treat, these cinnamon rolls will quickly become a family favorite. This easy recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, resulting in a delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and will help your dough rise beautifully.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a spatula until a soft dough forms. It's crucial not to overmix the dough.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Filling and Assembling the Rolls:
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife.
- Arrange the Rolls: Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
Baking and Icing:
- Second Rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size. This second rise is crucial for achieving that light and fluffy texture.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make the Icing: While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Ice and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly in the pan before glazing them with the icing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling.
- Use cream cheese frosting instead of the powdered sugar icing for a richer flavor.
- Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the filling.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour or reduce the amount of sugar.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon rolls!