Are you craving a warm, gooey, cinnamon-swirled treat that'll make your kitchen smell heavenly? Look no further! This recipe for Cindy's Cinnamon Rolls is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for lazy weekend mornings or a special occasion. Forget store-bought – these homemade cinnamon rolls are incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the taste? Absolutely unforgettable. Get ready for a delicious journey into the world of easy recipes and healthy baking (with a little indulgence, of course!).
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and your rolls will rise beautifully.
- Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- 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 more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A warm oven (turned off) is a great place for this!
Preparing the Filling and Assembling the Rolls:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
- 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 cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Tightly roll the dough up from the long side into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
Baking and Icing:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Once the rolls are baked, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack.
- Drizzle generously with the cream cheese icing.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling.
- Try using different types of sugar, like coconut sugar or maple sugar, for a unique twist.
- These cinnamon rolls are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Make these ahead of time! Prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Then, just bake in the morning for a quick and delicious breakfast.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 18-20g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Protein: 5-6g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon rolls! This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas or a delightful weekend treat, making it one of the best recipes for any occasion. They're a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest and definitely one of the most delicious dishes you can prepare. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire of healthy meals.