Are you craving something warm, gooey, and utterly delicious? Look no further! These Johnson's Corner Cinnamon Rolls are the epitome of comfort food, perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a special treat any day of the week. This recipe is surprisingly easy, even for beginner bakers, promising a homemade experience that will leave you feeling accomplished and incredibly satisfied. Forget those store-bought versions; this recipe delivers the ultimate cinnamon roll experience, bursting with flavour and guaranteed to become a family favourite. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4-4 ½ 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:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 16 ounces powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and will help your dough rise beautifully.
- Add the egg, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
Making the Dough:
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. It's okay if the dough is a little sticky.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, use that for easier kneading.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size. A slightly warm oven (with the light on) is a great place for this.
Assembling the Rolls:
- Punch down the risen dough to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12x18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Tightly roll the dough up from the long side into a log. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the log into 12 equal slices.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
Baking & Icing:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once the rolls are baked, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before drizzling generously with the icing.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavour: Add a teaspoon of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Make it a swirl: Instead of a simple sprinkle, create a cinnamon swirl by spreading the mixture in streaks across the dough before rolling.
- Adjust sweetness: Reduce the brown sugar in the filling if you prefer less sweetness.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Then, shape and bake in the morning.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 15-20g Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g Protein: Approximately 5-7g
Enjoy your delicious homemade Johnson's Corner Cinnamon Rolls! They're perfect for sharing (or not!). This easy recipe delivers a burst of flavour and a touch of homemade magic, making it a wonderful addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. This is one of the best recipes you'll ever try!