Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon

 

Ingredients

For the Dough:

All-purpose flour

Granulated sugar

Active dry yeast

Warm milk

Unsalted butter

Eggs

Salt

For the Filling:

Brown sugar

Ground cinnamon

Chopped walnuts

Melted butter

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream cheese

Unsalted butter

Powdered sugar

Vanilla extract

Milk (optional, for consistency)

Instructions

Begin by preparing the dough. Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl, allowing the yeast to activate until foamy. This step ensures the rolls will rise properly and achieve their fluffy texture.

Mix in eggs and melted butter once the yeast mixture is ready. Slowly incorporate the flour and salt, stirring until the dough starts to come together.

Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, which usually takes about ten minutes.

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place. The dough should double in size, taking about an hour. Use this time to prepare the filling.

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, mixing until well-blended. Chop the walnuts into small pieces, ensuring they’re evenly sized to distribute throughout the filling.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.

Brush melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly, followed by the chopped walnuts.

Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, keeping the filling intact. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into equal-sized rolls. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, leaving space for expansion.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the rolls rise again until they’re puffed up, usually about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven during this time.

Bake the rolls until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The enticing aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that they’re ready to come out of the oven.

While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until creamy.

Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth, and finish with a splash of vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency with milk if needed.

Serve the rolls warm for the ultimate experience. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated for later indulgence. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their softness.

Experiment with adding other nuts or dried fruits to the filling if you’re feeling adventurous. Raisins, pecans, or even a drizzle of caramel can add exciting variations to the classic recipe.

How to Make

To begin, focus on creating the perfect dough. A well-made dough is the foundation of any good cinnamon roll, and the right balance of ingredients ensures a soft texture.

Allow the yeast to fully activate before incorporating other ingredients, as this step is crucial for achieving a fluffy result.

While kneading, pay attention to the texture of the dough. It should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.

Adjust with small amounts of flour or milk as needed to reach the perfect consistency.

Rising the dough in a warm environment helps it double in size efficiently. Covering it properly prevents drying out, ensuring a moist and pliable dough for rolling later.

Rolling the dough evenly ensures uniform rolls. An even layer of filling guarantees every bite is flavorful. Use a light hand when spreading the butter and sprinkling the filling to avoid tearing the dough.

Cutting the rolls can be tricky; using dental floss instead of a knife ensures clean slices without squashing the dough.

Place the rolls with some space apart so they can rise properly during the second proofing.

The second rise is essential for soft and airy rolls. Skipping or shortening this step may result in dense rolls. Be patient, as the wait is well worth it.

While baking, keep an eye on the rolls in the oven. Overbaking can lead to dry rolls, so remove them as soon as they’re golden and fragrant.

The frosting is best prepared while the rolls cool slightly. Spreading the frosting on warm rolls allows it to melt slightly, creating a beautiful, glossy finish.

Storing leftover rolls properly ensures they remain soft and fresh for days. Reheating them in the microwave with a damp paper towel can bring back their just-baked texture.