Are you obsessed with those gorgeous, gooey cinnamon rolls flooding your TikTok feed? Well, you're in luck! This recipe recreates that viral sensation, bringing the deliciousness straight to your kitchen. Forget complicated techniques and long baking times – this recipe is surprisingly simple, perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced home cooks looking for a quick, satisfying dessert. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistible, homemade cinnamon rolls!
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 and cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This proves the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
- Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a soft dough forms.
- 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 for 5-7 minutes.
- 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.
2. Preparing the Filling & 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. Roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12x18 inches).
- 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 a pizza cutter.
3. Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. You can arrange them in a spiral for a beautiful presentation.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Making the Icing & Serving:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. 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.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling generously with the icing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls:
- Don't skip the proofing: Allowing the yeast to activate and the dough to rise properly is crucial for fluffy, delicious rolls.
- Use good quality butter: The flavor of the butter really shines through in both the dough and the filling.
- Don't overbake: Overbaked rolls will be dry. Start checking for doneness at the 20-minute mark.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the filling.
- Use different sugars: Try using a combination of brown and white sugar for a more complex flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for an extra warm spice note.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This recipe is a great addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for a quick dinner or a sweet treat. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the delicious results! These best recipes are sure to become a family favorite.