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- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
- Add the melted butter, salt, vanilla extract, and egg to the yeast mixture, then stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour, so add it gradually.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl (use the vegetable oil) and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Cinnamon Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
3. Roll the Dough:
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches in size.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges.
4. Roll and Slice the Rolls:
- Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
5. Arrange the Rolls and Let Them Rise:
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them close together but not touching. Cover with a towel and let them rise for 30 minutes, or until they puff up.
- While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
7. Make the Icing:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze, or more powdered sugar if you want it thicker.
8. Ice the Rolls:
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes before drizzling the icing over the top while they’re still warm.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve these delicious cinnamon rolls warm, and enjoy the soft, gooey, sweet treat!
Tips:
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cinnamon rolls the night before. After placing them in the baking dish, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking.
- For a Crunchy Top: If you like a slightly crispier top, bake the rolls for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until golden and a bit crunchy on top.
- Flavor Variations: Add chopped nuts, raisins, or even a bit of orange zest to the filling for extra flavor.
Enjoy these cinnamon rolls warm and fresh out of the oven for a delicious, comforting treat!