Are you craving the warm, gooey goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls but short on time? Then this recipe is for you! Using your bread machine to make the dough takes the work out of creating these delicious treats, leaving you with more time to enjoy the sweet rewards. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, resulting in soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade baking with minimal effort!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Prepare your bread machine: Ensure your bread machine is clean and ready to use. Most machines require ingredients to be added in a specific order; consult your machine's manual for guidance.
- Add ingredients: Typically, liquids go in first, followed by dry ingredients and finally the yeast. Add the warm milk, sugar, salt, eggs, and melted butter to the pan. Add the flour and yeast according to your machine's instructions.
- Select the dough cycle: Choose the "dough" cycle on your bread machine. This typically takes about 1.5-2 hours.
- Remove the dough: Once the cycle is complete, carefully remove the dough from the bread machine.
Preparing and Baking the Rolls:
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well blended.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle (approximately 12x18 inches).
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough.
- Roll and slice: Starting from a long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife.
- Place in a baking pan: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Rise and bake: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Making the Icing:
- Whisk together: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Drizzle and enjoy: Once the rolls are completely cool, drizzle the icing over them and serve warm.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon filling.
- Make it a swirl: Instead of spreading the filling evenly, create swirls of cinnamon sugar within the dough for a visually appealing treat.
- Use different sugars: Experiment with different types of sugar, such as coconut sugar or maple sugar, for a unique flavor profile.
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch to the rolls.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just allow extra rising time before baking.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Protein: 5-7g
This recipe provides a simple yet delicious way to enjoy homemade cinnamon rolls. The bread machine takes away the strenuous kneading, making this a quick dinner idea or perfect weekend treat. Enjoy!