Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a classic baked treat that fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma of cinnamon and sugar. The soft, fluffy dough is rolled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, then baked to perfection. This recipe will guide you through making these delicious rolls from scratch, ensuring each bite is warm, gooey, and irresistible.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp salt

For the filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

For the glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
   • In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Mix until combined, then knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. You can also mix in chopped nuts if using.
3. Roll and Fill:
   • Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
   • Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
   • Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log as shown in the image.
   • Cut the rolled dough into even slices and place them into a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
4. Second Rise:
   • Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they are puffy and have filled the space in the pan.
5. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Prepare the Glaze (Optional):
   • While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Finish and Serve:
   • Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve and enjoy!

These cinnamon rolls are perfect for a weekend treat or a special breakfast, served fresh and warm from the oven.