Cinnamon Rolls

Sugar, spice and everything nice. The sweet, fresh-baked aroma of a cinnamon bun alone is enough to satisfy my craving for this decadent pastry. Rich brown sugar gives this treat its irresistible sweetness and the cinnamon gives it that spicy kick. The spongy texture and luscious icing qualifies cinnamon rolls as the ultimate indulgence. My favorite way to devour one is by unraveling it and savoring each bite while anticipating the melt-in-your mouth saccharine center, the gem of this delicacy.

However you enjoy this treat, it’s guaranteed to be a splendid event with this amazing recipe. This is my favorite cinnamon roll recipe because it doesn’t require you to use a bread machine, it’s simple and it yields the softest most flavorful rolls.

Here’s What You Need:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup whole milk, warm
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet quick activating yeast
• 4 cups sifted white flour
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs

For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 3/4 cup brown sugar

For the Icing:

• 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 3 tablespoons milk

Here’s What You Do:

1. Empty the yeast packet in a large mixing bowl and pour in the warm milk and sugar and mix. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.

2. Add the eggs and butter and beat. Mix in the flour about 1 cup at a time.

3. Knead the dough, which should be firm yet pliable. Massage the dough until it is smooth. Form the dough into a ball and let it sit in an oiled bowl, cover it and set it in a warm space. Let it sit for about 2 hours, enough for it to double in size.

4. Press the dough down on a floured surface and begin rolling it out to form a flat rectangle. Spread the melted butter for the filling with a pastry brush on the flattened dough. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle generously over the melted butter.

5. Start at one end of the rectangular dough and roll it into itself. You should end up with a long roll. Begin slicing the log into 1 ½ inch pieces, place them in a greased pan and let them rise in a warm place for about ½ an hour. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes.

6. For the icing mix all of the ingredients together until you form a thick consistency. Spread over the hot cinnamon rolls and let it melt over them.

7. When you feel ready, sink your teeth into your creation and savour the flavor.

Note: Though I'm not a pro I'm quite intuitive when I bake and cook, so I never follow recipes to the tee. Please feel free to tweak this recipe to your tasting. I also recommend throwing in some nuts or raisins to the filling if you're feeling adventurous. Bon appetit!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr