Imagine waking up to the enchanting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home, promising a delightful start to your day. These golden-brown spirals of dough, delicately spiced with cinnamon and generously coated in creamy icing, are a timeless indulgence that never fails to bring comfort and joy. If the thought of making cinnamon rolls conjures images of complicated recipes and long hours in the kitchen, fret not. We're here to unveil a culinary secret – a quick and easy cinnamon rolls recipe that delivers all the satisfaction of the classic treat without the hassle. In this article, we'll guide you through a step-by-step journey, revealing how a handful of simple ingredients and a dash of creativity can lead to a batch of irresistible cinnamon rolls that will leave you craving for more. Get ready to infuse your home with the warm embrace of homemade goodness as we embark on the quest to create the perfect satisfying treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast
½ cup milk (warmed to about 110°F/43°C)
¼ cup water (warmed to about 110°F/43°C)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Filling: ½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Icing: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing well until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 3-4 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface, approximately 12x16 inches.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it.
- Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Place the cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish. Cover them with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen again, bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before generously drizzling the cream cheese icing over the top.