# Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Cinnamon rolls are a delightful indulgence that conveys warmth and solace, especially during the holiday season. The scent of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in the house on a chilly winter morning is simply unmatched. This recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s culinary blog, is easy, free of eggs, and needs only a single rise, making it ideal for a festive breakfast.
## Ingredients
### For the Dough:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
– 1/2 tsp salt
### For the Filling:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar (or adjust to preference)
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
### For the Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
## Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In a small saucepan, warm the milk (do not boil). Take it off the heat and blend in the melted butter and yeast. Allow it to sit for approximately 5 minutes or until frothy.
3. Combine the milk mixture with the flour mixture and stir until a dough is formed. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth.
### Step 2: First Rise
1. Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for around 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
### Step 3: Prepare the Filling
1. In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until thoroughly combined.
### Step 4: Roll and Cut
1. After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick).
2. Evenly distribute the cinnamon filling over the dough.
3. Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use dental floss or a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal sections.
### Step 5: Second Rise
1. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
### Step 6: Bake
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
### Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
1. In a bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls.
## Tips
– To make the rolls sweeter, increase the sugar in the filling to 1 cup.
– Chill the dough overnight for a convenient morning bake.
– Try using brown sugar in the filling and adding coffee flavor to the glaze for a distinctive twist.
Savor these warm, fluffy, and sticky cinnamon rolls as a wonderful holiday breakfast that will undoubtedly impress family and friends!
