Are you a fan of Disney World's enchanting Gaston's Tavern? Do you dream of sinking your teeth into one of their legendary, warm cinnamon rolls? Well, dream no more! Today, we're sharing a recipe that brings that magical, gooey goodness right to your kitchen. This isn't just another cinnamon roll recipe; it's a journey into the heart of a fairytale, one delicious bite at a time. Get ready to experience the simple joy of homemade cooking and create a truly delightful treat for yourself and your loved ones. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, a special occasion, or even a quick weeknight dessert – because sometimes, a little magic is exactly what we need.
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 Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
- Beat in the egg and melted butter.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead and Rise:
- 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 a little more flour, one 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. This is crucial for a light and fluffy texture.
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Punch down the dough to release the air. Roll it out into a 12x18 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Tightly roll the dough into a log, starting from the long side. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Arrange the slices in the prepared baking pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 15-20 minutes. This second rise will give your rolls that extra fluffy texture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. The irresistible aroma will fill your kitchen!
Glaze and Enjoy:
- While the rolls are still warm, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Let cool slightly before serving and enjoy the magic!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Make it a treat: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the filling for added crunch.
- Adjust the sweetness: Reduce the brown sugar in the filling if you prefer a less sweet cinnamon roll.
- Easy cleanup: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the baked rolls.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Protein: 5-7g
This recipe offers a healthy balance of flavor and enjoyment. It's a delicious and easy way to bring a touch of Disney magic into your home. Enjoy creating these delightful cinnamon rolls – they are sure to be a hit with everyone!