Cinnabon Rolls or cinnamon rolls (simple version without icing)

Cinnabon Rolls - Delicious Cinnamon Rolls Without Icing

If you're looking for a simple and quick recipe to impress family or friends, Cinnabon rolls are the perfect choice! This aromatic dessert, with a soft dough filled with a delicious combination of sugar and cinnamon, is easy to make and will fill your home with an irresistible aroma.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 12 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 12 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients for the dough:
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons of dry yeast
- 1 cup of warm milk (about 40-45°C)
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 80 g of soft butter
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 eggs
- 4 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 cup of brown sugar (or white, to taste)
- 2 and 1/2 tablespoons of cinnamon (we recommend Makara cinnamon for an intense flavor)
- 80 g of soft butter (or margarine)

Ingredients for the icing (optional):
- 90 g of butter
- 1 and 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
- 90 g of cream cheese (like Philadelphia)
- Caramel sauce (for serving)
- Pecans (or walnuts, for extra crunch)

Instructions:

1. Activating the yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Add sugar, soft butter, eggs, salt, and mix well. Then, gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until you obtain a smooth dough.

2. Kneading the dough: On a work surface, sprinkle a little flour and turn out the dough. Knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and slightly sticky, but not sticking to your hands. If it's too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

3. Rising the dough: Grease the dough with a little oil and place it in a covered bowl, letting it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).

4. Shaping the rolls: After the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the table again and roll it out into a rectangular sheet about 54 cm long and 40 cm wide, with a thickness of just over 0.5 cm. Spread the surface with butter and evenly sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture.

5. Rolling and cutting: Roll the dough lengthwise, forming a tight log. Use a piece of thread (or a sharp knife) to cut the log into pieces of 4-5 cm. This cutting method helps maintain the shape of the rolls.

6. Rising the rolls: Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them. Let them rise again for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 200°C.

7. Baking: Bake the rolls for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and fluffy.

8. Preparing the icing: While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by mixing melted butter, powdered sugar, and cream cheese with a mixer until you get a light and fluffy cream.

9. Serving: Once the rolls are baked, take them out of the oven and generously cover them with warm icing. It will melt and soak into each piece. Serve warm, with a drizzle of caramel on top and sprinkle crushed nuts for added texture.

Suggestions and variations:

- If you want to explore new flavors, replace the filling with nuts and plum jam, as I did, to add a fruity and crunchy taste.
- You can experiment with different types of sugar (e.g., coconut sugar) to give a distinct note to the dessert.
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour or a mix of white and whole wheat flour.

This quick and simple dessert will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite and savor the sweet moment it brings to your life!