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The Sweet History of Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The Sweet History of Cinnamon Rolls a beloved treat enjoyed by people all over the world. These sweet, gooey pastries, often topped with a rich frosting, have a history as rich as their flavor. From their ancient origins to their modern-day popularity, the story of cinnamon rolls is a fascinating one that intertwines culinary traditions, cultural influences, and the simple joy of a well-made pastry.
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Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • For the Dough:
  • 1 cup warm milk 110°F/45°C
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For the Filling:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk optional, for desired consistency

Instructions
 

  • Instructions:
  • Prepare the Dough:
  • Warm the milk in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's about 110°F/45°C (warm to the touch but not hot).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
  • Add the sugar, melted butter, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
  • Gradually add 4 cups of flour and salt to the mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment until the dough begins to come together.
  • If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough.
  • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface or in the stand mixer for about 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Prepare the Filling:
  • In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
  • Assemble the Rolls:
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
  • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 18x12 inches in size.
  • Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log, making sure to keep it even.
  • Cut the log into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss (for cleaner cuts).
  • Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spacing them evenly.
  • Cover the dish with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
  • Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can loosely cover them with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
  • Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. If you prefer a thinner frosting, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Frost and Serve:
  • Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes.
  • Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!