Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: Recipe

When the days get shorter and the air feels colder, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your home. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and make your house warm and cozy. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the delightful process of making homemade cinnamon rolls that will not only make your taste buds happy but also fill your heart with the festive cheer of the season.

The Origin of the Cinnamon Roll: A Swedish Delight

The cinnamon roll, that delectable swirl of sweet dough generously sprinkled with cinnamon and topped with a luscious icing, has an intriguing history that traces back to Sweden. This beloved pastry, known as “kanelbullar” in Swedish, has become a symbol of warmth, comfort, and indulgence during the winter months.

Fika Tradition:

In Sweden, the cinnamon roll is often enjoyed during a tradition called “fika.” Fika is more than just a coffee break; it’s a cultural ritual that involves taking a pause to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, often accompanied by a sweet treat, like a cinnamon roll. Fika is a time for relaxation and socializing, making it an essential part of Swedish life.

Ingredients:

Before we start, let’s gather what we need. You’ll need:

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 1 cup of warm milk (about as warm as a bath)
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup of soft butter
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup of melted butter
• 1 cup of chopped nuts (if you like)

Instructions:

For the Dough:

1. In a big bowl, mix 1 3/4 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add warm milk, soft butter, and eggs. Mix until the dough starts coming together.
3. Gradually add the rest of the flour to make a soft, slightly sticky dough.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth and stretchy, for about 6-8 minutes.
5. Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it’s doubled in size.

For the Filling:

6. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
7. Roll out the dough into a rectangle that’s about 16×21 inches and spread melted butter all over it.
8. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix over the buttered dough.
9. If you like nuts, this is when you can add them.

Roll and Slice:

10. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side.
11. Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces and put them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
12. Cover them and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake:

13. Heat your oven to 375°F (about as hot as an oven can go).
14. Bake the cinnamon rolls for about 25-30 minutes or until they look golden brown.

Icing:

1. While the cinnamon rolls cool a little, make the icing. Mix 2 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and some milk until it’s the thickness you like.

2. Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls.

Enjoy the Holiday Flavors:

Now, all that’s left to do is enjoy the wonderful smell and taste of your homemade cinnamon rolls. Whether you have them for a special Christmas morning treat or a cozy evening dessert, these yummy swirls of joy will definitely add a bit of holiday magic to your home. Happy baking!