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:

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.

Prepare the Filling:

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. You can also mix in chopped nuts if using.

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.

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.

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.

Prepare the Glaze (Optional):

While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

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