(365 Chances) #9: Cinnamon Rolls

I made these a couple weeks ago for a brunch. Overnight, the number of people coming to the brunch went from about 8 to about 15. I had planned to make these cinnamon rolls, then when we realized so many people were coming, I cooked them up early and the original six of us were in food/sugar comas by the time everyone else arrived. It's definitely worth the work, but I wouldn't suggest making this more than once a year. I'm planning to make it a Christmas tradition. 

PS -- If you came over from Adventures of Newlyweds, say hi! 

This recipe is from The Weekend Baker.

You'll need

Dough:

1 c milk

8 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces

3 1/2 c all-purpose flour

2 1/4 tsp instant yeast

1/3 c granulated sugar

1 large egg

Cinnamon Filling:
1/2 c packed dark brown sugar
1/2 c granulated sugar
1/3 c all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
6 tb unsalted butter, melted

Glaze: (courtesy of Paula Deen)
4 tbsp butter
2 c powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 to 6 tbsp hot water

Do this

In a small saucepan, combine the milk and the butter. Stir constantly over medium heat until the butter melts. 

In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon until well blended.

Check the temperature of the milk mixture. It'll need to be between 115 and 125 degrees to active the yeast. Add the warm liquid and the egg to the flour and stir with the wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Dump the dough onto a floured surface.

Knead the dough with your hands. Keep kneading for about 10 minutes, and shape the dough into a ball. Lightly grease the bowl and put the dough back in it. Cover securely with plastic wrap, and let stand for about 45 to 55 minutes until doubled in size. Combine the ingredients for the cinnamon filling, except for the butter, and set aside.

Turn the dough onto a clean surface and roll out into a 12x17 inch rectangle. Pour the melted butter onto the dough and spread the cinnamon filling over that. Roll it up! Then slice one inch thick slices and place into a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise about 1 1/2 times their original size, or about 40 minutes. 

Bake the rolls at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Prepare the glaze while the rolls are baking. When the rolls are finished baking, smother them in that amazing, amazing stuff.

Then eat them before everyone arrives!