Are you craving a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible breakfast treat? Look no further than these Texas Cinnamon Rolls! This recipe takes the classic cinnamon roll and adds a touch of Texas-sized deliciousness, making it a perfect weekend brunch or a comforting mid-week treat. Forget those dry, store-bought versions – this homemade recipe delivers a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. It's easier than you think to make this delicious dish, perfect for those seeking easy recipes and healthy meals that don't compromise on flavor.
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
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4-4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started: Activating the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, leading to a beautifully risen dough.
Making the Dough:
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Add the egg and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine.
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Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary, but be careful not to add too much, as this can result in a tough dough.
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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 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Assembling and Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:
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Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12x18 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
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Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
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Tightly roll the dough up from the long side, like a jelly roll.
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Cut the roll into 12 equal slices.
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Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
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Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Making the Glaze:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Finishing Touches:
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Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, let them cool slightly in the pan before drizzling generously with the glaze.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Texas Cinnamon Rolls:
- Don't over-knead the dough: Over-kneading can result in tough cinnamon rolls.
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your cinnamon rolls will be greatly enhanced by using high-quality ingredients.
- Let the dough rise properly: Allowing the dough sufficient time to rise is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Give the cinnamon rolls enough space to rise and bake evenly.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts make a delicious addition to the filling.
- Use different spices: Experiment with other spices like cardamom or nutmeg.
- Make mini cinnamon rolls: Use a smaller baking pan and cut the dough into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Protein: 5-7g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These Texas Cinnamon Rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. They are a wonderful example of homemade cooking and represent some of the best recipes available for those seeking delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!