Makes me think of that episode of The Office where Michael cooks his foot because he wants to wake up to the smell of bacon. Unless you like burnt things, I don't suggest going back to bed while making these, don't be a Michael.
Anywayyyy...
You'll need a few ingredients and a couple hours, but I promise it's SO worth it. If you're an early riser like me, this is a perfect way to spend your morning.
Rolls:
-4 cups all purpose flour + 1/2 cup flour
-1 packet of active dry yeast
-1/2 cup butter- melted
-1/2 cup granulated sugar
-1 tsp baking powder
-2 tsp salt
-2 cups milk
Filling:
-1 1/2 cups soft butter
-3/4 cup brown sugar
-3 tbs cinnamon
-pinch of salt
Icing:
-4 oz cream cheese
-2 tbs melted butter
-1 cup powdered sugar
-pinch of salt
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-2 tbs milk
1. Heat up the milk to about 110°F.
2. Melt the butter.
3. In a large mixing bowl combine the warm milk, melted butter, granulated sugar and yeast. Stir to combine and let this sit for a few minutes to make sure the yeast activates.
4. Into the liquid, add the 4 cups of flour and stir to incorporate everything.
5. Cover and let the dough rise for about an hour in a warm place. (I always use my oven with the light on, but DON'T turn the oven on, just the light.)
6. Once the dough has risen, add the baking powder, salt, and 1/2 cup of flour. (If you wanted you can add any other flavors in at this time- citrus zest? spices? whatever you like!)
7. Stir the mixture to combine and dump the dough onto a surface to knead and fully incorporate the ingredients.
8. Knead for a minute or so, not too much though, just until the dough is smooth and has some give.
9. Gently roll the dough into a large rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
10. Apply the softened butter all over the surface.
11. On top of the butter sprinkle on the cinnamon and brown sugar.
12. Time to roll! Take the bottom of the rectangle (the long side nearest to you) and start a tight roll upwards until you have a big rolled log.
13. Trim the ends so it's flat and even on both sides.
14. To portion out the rolls cut the log in half and then continue to cut halves until you get the desired amount of rolls. (I get about 12 good size rolls from this dough)
15. Butter your baking dish and carefully place your rolls into place. They will go through a second rise so don't squish them in, use two pans if needed.
16. Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
17. Once the second rise is complete, heat the oven to 350°F.
18 When the oven comes to temperature, pop the rolls in for 20-25 minutes or until they are slightly golden. (cook them a bit longer if you have really thick rolls)
While the rolls bake, make the icing!
19. In a bowl combine the cream cheese, melted butter, salt, vanilla, milk, and powdered sugar. You want it to be smooth and thick. I like to add orange zest because the way it tastes with the warm cinnamon rolls is beyond amazing, but you can add whatever flavors you like here or just leave it plain.
20. When the rolls are done, let them cool for a few minutes and then lather them with the icing. Here is where you can really go crazy. I like a lot of icing, and in my opinion, you never get enough from the canned rolls. Spread it on like it's going out of style! Best to ice the rolls while they are still warm.
EAT!
So there you have it! See, just a couple hours and a few steps and you have a breakfast worthy of sitting back and enjoying. Of course you can always get the canned variety and have breakfast in 20 minutes, but where's the fun in that? These make great gifts and even better brunch items, everyone loves a good cinnamon roll, right? They are warm, soft, flavorful, and comforting: everything you want on a perfect Sunday morning! If you don't eat them all before the rest of the house wakes up, go ahead and share : )
-Meaghan
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