Are you craving warm, gooey cinnamon rolls but dread the thought of hours spent kneading and proofing dough? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe harnesses the power of your bread machine to create incredibly delicious cinnamon rolls with minimal effort. Forget complicated techniques; these homemade cinnamon rolls are surprisingly easy, even for beginner bakers. Get ready for a quick dinner idea or a delightful weekend breakfast treat that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 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:
- Bread Machine Magic: Add the warm milk, egg, sugar, salt, flour, softened butter, and yeast to your bread machine pan in the order recommended by your machine's instruction manual. Most machines suggest liquids first.
- Knead and Rise: Select the "dough" setting on your bread machine and let it do its thing. This usually takes about 1.5 hours.
- Shape and Fill: Once the dough cycle is complete, gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
Preparing the Filling:
- Creamy Cinnamon Butter: Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Sweet Cinnamon Sprinkle: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Assembling and Baking:
- Rolling it Up: Tightly roll the dough from the long side into a log.
- Slicing it Up: Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Pan Placement: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Baking Time: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Making the Icing:
- Whipping it Up: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Glazing Glory: Once the rolls are slightly cooled, drizzle the icing generously over them.
Tips and Variations:
- Yeast Power: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best results.
- Warmth is Key: Make sure your milk is the correct temperature for activating the yeast.
- Customize Your Filling: Add chopped nuts, raisins, or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the filling for extra flavor.
- Make it a Pecan Roll: Swap the cinnamon for chopped pecans and a touch of maple syrup in the filling.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Protein: 5-7g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These bread machine cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. The ease of preparation makes them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend mornings. Enjoy!