Are you craving the warm, gooey goodness of a homemade cinnamon roll but intimidated by the thought of making them from scratch? Fear not! This recipe, inspired by the culinary expertise of America's Test Kitchen, simplifies the process, delivering incredibly delicious and fluffy cinnamon rolls without the fuss. This is your shortcut to bakery-quality treats – perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or a simple, sweet pick-me-up. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, elevated to new heights.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3 ½ to 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:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
- Add wet ingredients: Whisk in the egg, salt, and melted butter.
- Incorporate flour: Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook attachment for 5-7 minutes.
- 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 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Assembling the Rolls:
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12x18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough.
- Roll and slice: Tightly roll the dough up from the long side into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Arrange in pan: Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
Baking and Icing:
- Second rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes, or until almost doubled.
- 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, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Ice the rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the icing generously over the top.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls:
- Don't overwork the dough: Overkneading can result in tough cinnamon rolls.
- Use good quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your rolls will taste.
- Let the dough rise properly: Proper rising time is crucial for fluffy cinnamon rolls.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Give the rolls enough space to rise during the second rise.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Use different sugars: Experiment with maple sugar or coconut sugar for a unique twist.
- Add spices: A dash of nutmeg or cardamom in the filling adds a warm, aromatic touch.
- Make mini cinnamon rolls: Use a smaller baking pan and cut the dough into smaller pieces.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Protein: 5-7g
Enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon rolls! They're a perfect treat to share with family and friends, or to savor on your own. This recipe is a great addition to your collection of easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas for those busy weeknights, transforming homemade cooking into a joyful experience. These are truly among the best recipes for satisfying your sweet tooth!