Delicious Cinnamon-Flavored Treats: Soft and Buttery Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon-flavored treats, also known as cinnamon rolls, are the perfect comfort food, offering a warm, aromatic delight that’s both soft and buttery. Made with a fluffy, enriched dough and filled with cinnamon sugar, these treats are simple to make and are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. Follow this step-by-step guide to create these mouthwatering cinnamon rolls that are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack anytime!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • Plain Flour: 3 1/3 cups (420 g)
  • Dried Yeast: 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons or 7 g)
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Sugar: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Softened Butter: 3 1/2 tablespoons (50 g)
  • Lukewarm Milk: 3/4 cup (180 ml)

For Smearing:

  • Egg Yolk: 1
  • Milk: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
  • Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30 g)

For Sprinkling:

  • Cinnamon: To taste
  • Sugar: To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

  1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, dried yeast, egg, sugar, salt, softened butter, and lukewarm milk. Stir the ingredients together until a dough starts to form. The lukewarm milk helps activate the yeast, speeding up the rising process.
  2. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. The dough should spring back when poked gently with your finger.
  3. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a cloth, and leave it in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step allows the dough to become light and airy.

2. Roll Out the Dough

  1. Prepare the Work Surface: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangular sheet about 0.5 cm thick, ensuring an even thickness across the dough.
  2. Brush with Butter: Brush the entire surface of the rolled-out dough with melted butter. This step adds moisture and richness to the rolls.
  3. Sprinkle Cinnamon and Sugar: Generously sprinkle the dough with sugar and cinnamon to your taste. For an even distribution, you can use a mixture of cinnamon sugar. Adjust the amount based on how sweet and cinnamony you prefer your rolls.

3. Shape the Treats

  1. Roll the Dough: Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log. This rolling process is key to creating the signature spiral shape of the cinnamon rolls.
  2. Cut into Rounds: Cut the rolled-up dough into rounds approximately 2 cm wide. Each round will resemble a snail shape, with visible spirals of cinnamon sugar.
  3. Arrange on a Tray: Place the rounds (snails) cut-side up on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Space them slightly apart to allow for rising.
  4. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes in a warm place. This second rise helps the rolls become fluffy and tender.

4. Prepare for Baking

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) while the rolls are undergoing their second rise. This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature when the rolls are ready to bake.
  2. Brush with Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of milk. Brush the risen rolls with the egg yolk mixture to give them a beautiful golden brown color and a glossy finish once baked.

5. Bake the Treats

  1. Bake: Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The rolls should be puffed up, with a slightly firm top that springs back when lightly touched.
  2. Finish with Butter: After removing the rolls from the oven, immediately brush them with a little more melted butter. This final touch adds shine and a delicious buttery flavor that enhances the rolls.

Serve and Enjoy!

Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before serving. These treats are best enjoyed warm, with a soft, tender texture and a burst of cinnamon sweetness in every bite. Serve them as is, or with a drizzle of icing or a dollop of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgence.

Nutritional Information

  • Serving Size: 1 roll (based on 12 rolls)
  • Calories: 200 kcal per serving
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugars: 6 g
  • Protein: 4 g

These cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat, perfect for any time of the day. Their soft, fluffy dough combined with the rich flavor of cinnamon and sugar makes them an irresistible choice for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Pro Tips:

  • Perfect Dough: Ensure your milk is lukewarm (about 110°F or 43°C) to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
  • Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.
  • Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to refresh their softness.

Enjoy these delicious cinnamon-flavored treats that are sure to bring warmth and comfort to your table. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy weekend bake, these cinnamon rolls are a classic that never disappoints!