Cinnamon rolls

Cinnamon Rolls – A Sweet and Fluffy Delight

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 3 hours
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total: approximately 4 hours
Servings: 26 rolls

Welcome to the world of delicious cinnamon rolls! This recipe will take you on a journey filled with flavors and textures, bringing a sweet indulgence to your table. Cinnamon rolls are a perfect choice for breakfasts, snacks, or even desserts. Plus, they are very easy to make, and the final result will make all the effort worth it.

A Brief Story
Cinnamon rolls have a rich history, being a beloved dessert in many cultures. Over time, they have evolved from simple yeast dough recipes, adding flavors and ingredients that have enriched their taste. My inspiration comes from an authentic recipe, believed to be the original from a famous North American franchise. Each bite will transport you to a world of warm flavors, so get ready to become a fan of these treats.

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 50 ml water (1/4 cup)
- 250 ml milk (1 cup), at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 eggs (well beaten)
- 115 g butter (1/2 cup), melted
- 115 g sugar (1/2 cup)
- 7 g dry yeast (one packet) or 30 g fresh yeast
- 575 g all-purpose flour (approximately 4 1/2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the filling:
- 100 g soft butter, at room temperature
- 200 g brown sugar
- 5 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Make sure all ingredients are taken out of the refrigerator at least one hour before starting. This will help the dough rise better. Ask yourself: do you have all the ingredients at hand? We start with one and a half eggs, which will be well beaten and added to the dough. The leftover egg can be used for a quick omelet.

Step 2: Making the Dough
In a large bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 1 minute, being careful not to boil it. Add the warm milk (it should be at a comfortable temperature for your finger) and water. Then, add the salt, vanilla, whole egg and beaten egg, as well as the sugar. Gently mix to combine the ingredients.

Step 3: Adding the Flour
Add the flour, one cup at a time. After the second cup, incorporate the yeast and continue adding the rest of the flour. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and non-sticky. It’s a simple process, and the dough should have a pleasant consistency.

Step 4: Rising the Dough
Form a ball from the dough, grease a bowl with a little oil, and place the dough there. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Preparing the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with the cinnamon. Make sure the sugar is moist, as it will help create a delicious filling. Slightly warm the butter until creamy, then use a silicone brush to spread it over the dough sheet.

Step 6: Forming the Rolls
When the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured work surface. Divide it into 3 equal parts. Roll each part into a rectangular sheet about 38x60 cm, with a thickness of 5 mm. Mark a 2.5 cm border on one long side. Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon filling, then roll the dough from the opposite side of the marked edge. Cut the rolls into pieces about 4 cm high.

Step 7: Second Rising
Place the rolls in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a space of 1.5 cm between them to allow for rising. Let them rise for an hour. It’s hard to wait, but the result will be amazing!

Step 8: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. In the meantime, prepare the glaze.

Step 9: The Glaze
For the glaze, cream 4 tablespoons of room temperature butter with 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add 3-6 tablespoons of hot water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 10: Serving
When the rolls are ready, brush them with the sugar glaze and sprinkle toasted pecans on top. Enjoy these treats warm, and each bite will be an explosion of flavor!

Helpful Tips
1. Ingredient Temperature: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal yeast activity.
2. Space Between Rolls: Leave enough space between rolls to expand during baking.
3. Variations: You can add dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate to the filling for a different flavor in the rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, 30 g of fresh yeast is equivalent to one packet of dry yeast.

2. How can I store the rolls?
The rolls can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days or can be frozen for up to a month.

3. What drinks pair well with cinnamon rolls?
These rolls pair perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
Each cinnamon roll has approximately 180-220 calories, depending on size and ingredients used. This treat provides a quick source of energy due to the carbohydrates from flour and sugar, but when consumed in moderation, it can be a delightful indulgence in your daily diet.

Enjoy this cinnamon roll recipe and turn every moment spent cooking into a joyful experience! Bon appétit!