Cinnamon Rolls
Course: DessertCuisine: SwedishDifficulty: Medium15
servings2
hours25
minutesRich and decadent cinnamon rolls topped with freshly made icing!
Ingredients
- Dough
3 1/2 all-purpose flour
1 large egg, whisked
pinch of salt
- Yeast
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 1/2 tbsp instant rise yeast
1 cup warm milk
5 tbsp sugar, granulated
- Sugar Filling
1 cup brown sugar
4 tbsp ground cinnamon
4 tbsp butter, melted
- Icing
2 tbsp milk
4 oz cream cheese, room temp
1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp butter, melted
Directions
- Icing Glaze
- In either the stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat together sugar, butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until well combined.
- Yeast
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Warm the milk for the dough either on the stovetop or in the microwave in intervals. Remember warm, not hot.
- In a large bowl, combine the yeast, butter, warm milk, and sugar. Set aside.
- Dough
- Combine the yeast mixture and whisked egg in a stand mixer using the beater attachment. Add in flour and salt and mix until a ball has formed. On a flour-dusted countertop, knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes.
- Lightly spray or rub a large bowl with oil, place the dough in bowl and cover with a damp towel.
- Turn the oven off and set the dough inside. Let side for about 30-35 minutes.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, remove it from the oven and roll it out on a flour-dusted surface. Roll out into a rectangle (13 in X 19 in)
- Whisk together cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Brush with melted butter, leaving about 1/4 in around the end of the dough. Cover evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up the dough tightly and slice into about 13-15 servings.
- Butter the bottom of your dish (13 in X 9in) lightly and place the cinnamon rolls in. Cover again with a damp towel and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bake the rolls for 25 minutes. Glaze with icing and enjoy!
Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls, those delectable spirals of soft, fluffy dough, swirled with a rich, buttery cinnamon filling and topped with a velvety glaze, are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a culinary experience. Originating from Sweden, where they are known as ‘kanelbulle,’ these pastries have won hearts around the globe, evolving with regional twists that make each bite a testament to the versatility of this beloved dessert.
The secret to the perfect cinnamon roll lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The dough, often enriched with eggs and milk, must be tender and light, yet sturdy enough to hold the generous filling of cinnamon, sugar, and butter. This mixture caramelizes as it bakes, creating a gooey center and a fragrant aroma that is irresistibly inviting. The final touch, a drizzle or thick coat of glaze—be it cream cheese-based for tanginess or a simple mix of powdered sugar and milk for sweetness—adds a luscious finish that complements the warm spices.
Baking cinnamon rolls at home can be a delightful adventure, offering an opportunity to customize according to personal taste. Whether you prefer them extra gooey, filled with nuts or raisins, or even topped with a dash of sea salt to offset the sweetness, the options are endless. Not only do they make for a sumptuous breakfast or brunch item, but they also serve as a comforting snack or dessert, perfect for sharing with loved ones. The process of kneading the dough, spreading the filling, and rolling up the layers is not just about creating a delicious outcome, but about savoring the joy of baking from scratch.
If you like this recipe, be sure to check out my Lemon Cupcakes here!