Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home, promising a delightful start to your special day. Our "Special Day Cinnamon Rolls" are not just any ordinary treat; they are a warm embrace of fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon, and a hint of nostalgia that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With just 55 minutes from prep to plate, you can create a batch of 12 delectable rolls that are perfect for celebrations, lazy weekends, or simply to indulge yourself. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and discover the joy of homemade cinnamon rolls that are sure to steal the show!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk (110°F) with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs.
- Mix the ingredients until a soft, sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and optional raisins in a separate bowl.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 18x12 inches.
- Spread softened butter evenly across the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the butter.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 even rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving some space between each roll for expansion.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes in a warm place until they have nearly doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Optional: Top with cream cheese frosting or glaze before serving.
Tips
- Perfect Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot (around 110°F) to activate the yeast effectively. Too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold won't activate it.
- Knead for Success: Kneading the dough for 8-10 minutes is crucial for developing gluten, which gives your rolls that fluffy texture. Don’t rush this step!
- Warm Rising Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, consider turning on your oven for a minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside to rise.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to get creative with your filling! Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a splash of vanilla extract to the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Don’t Skip the Second Rise: Allowing the rolls to rise a second time before baking is essential for achieving that light and airy texture. Be patient; it’s worth the wait!
- Watch for Doneness: Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake. They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Frosting Delight: For an extra indulgent treat, top your warm rolls with a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk right before serving. With these tips in hand, you’re ready to create cinnamon rolls that will impress everyone at your table. Happy baking!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
