The Basics: Cinnamon Rolls

“The Basics” is a blog series where I share the starting point for most of my culinary creations. These recipes are meant to be the base for wherever your culinary imagination takes you!

Simple Cinnamon Rolls

Cayenne Chocolate Rolls

Cinnamon Roll Cake

The Basics: Cinnamon Rolls

Yields 8 Cinnamon Rolls

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 1/4 teaspoons quick rising yeast

• 1/2 L. cup whole milk

• 1/6 cup water

• 1/4 cup white sugar

• 1/4 L. cup vegetable oil

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 egg yolk

• 3 tablespoons butter (room temperature)

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon

Cream Cheese Icing

• 1/2 cup cream cheese (room temperature)

• 3 tablespoons butter (room temperature)

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon water (if needed)

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine half of the flour with the baking power and yeast. Set aside.

2. In a small saucepan, warm the milk, water, sugar, oil and salt. Heat until warm to the touch (approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit).

3. Add the warmed liquids and the egg yolk to the flour in the mixing bowl. Blend together on low speed until a wet batter forms. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and beat on high speed for 3 minutes.

4. Add remaining flour, and knead the dough with the bread hook attachment for about four minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. [Add a little more flour if needed. The dough should feel tacky, but not sticky, so it should easily release from your fingers when touched.]

5. Cover the mixing bowl and let the dough relax for 10 minutes.

6. While the dough is resting, combine room-temperature butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. Set aside.

7. On a lightly-floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle that is about 1/3 inch thick. Spread the brown sugar mixture on the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border along the edges.

8. Roll the dough into a jelly roll, staring with the long edge closest to you. Tighten the dough as you work. Pinch the seams together at the edge.

9. Cover the dough and rest in the freezer for about 15 minutes.

10. Remove the dough from the freezer and slice the dough into 1-inch rounds. Place the rounds on a parchment-lined sheet pan or a greased round cake pan. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

11. Cover and rest the dough for approximately 20 minutes until it doubles in size.

12. Uncover the dough and bake for approximately 25 minutes until brown.

13. While the rolls are baking, in a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed.

14. Mix in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, blending the mixture until smooth. Thin the mixture with water if needed.

15. Remove the rolls form the oven, and allow them to cool for 3-5 minutes. Spread the icing on the rolls . Enjoy!

Mini Cinnamon Rolls