When it comes to breakfast and brunch, few treats can rival the warm, comforting allure of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. And when the recipe hails from the esteemed Better Homes and Gardens Test Kitchen, you know you're in for something truly special. The claim of "Best - Ever" is not just empty words; it's a promise of a culinary experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
To embark on this delicious journey, the first step is to gather your ingredients. One crucial tip is to use freshly purchased cinnamon. The difference in flavor between fresh and stale cinnamon is remarkable. Fresh cinnamon has a vibrant, spicy - sweet aroma that infuses every bite of the cinnamon roll with a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
Let's start with the dough. You'll need basic ingredients like flour, yeast, milk, sugar, and butter. Begin by proofing the yeast in warm milk. This is a simple yet important step that activates the yeast, ensuring that your dough will rise properly. Once the yeast is foamy and alive, add in the sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until you have a soft, pliable dough.
Kneading the dough is an art form in itself. It helps develop the gluten in the flour, giving the cinnamon rolls their characteristic texture. Work the dough on a lightly floured surface, pushing and folding it for about 10 - 15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, it's time to prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the freshly purchased cinnamon with brown sugar and a bit of melted butter. The ratio of cinnamon to sugar can be adjusted according to your personal preference. If you're a cinnamon lover, go a bit heavy on the cinnamon; if you prefer a sweeter filling, add more brown sugar.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. The thickness of the dough is important; aim for about 1/4 - inch thick. Spread the cinnamon - sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Now comes the fun part: rolling up the dough. Start from the long edge and roll it tightly, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal it. Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled - up dough into individual cinnamon rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving some space between them as they will expand during baking.
Let the cinnamon rolls rise for another 30 minutes or so until they have puffed up. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature, usually around 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for about 15 - 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them as ovens can vary in temperature.
While the cinnamon rolls are baking, you can prepare the icing. A simple icing made from powdered sugar, milk, and a bit of vanilla extract is the perfect finishing touch. Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the icing over them. The warm cinnamon rolls, with their gooey filling and sweet icing, are now ready to be enjoyed.
These cinnamon rolls are not just a breakfast item; they can be a delightful treat any time of the day. Whether you're having a lazy Sunday brunch with your family or sharing them with friends at a gathering, they are sure to be a hit. The combination of the soft, fluffy dough, the rich cinnamon - sugar filling, and the sweet icing creates a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist.
So, the next time you're in the mood for a delicious breakfast or brunch, don't hesitate to try these "Best - Ever" cinnamon rolls. With the use of freshly purchased cinnamon and a little bit of love in the preparation, you'll be able to create a batch of cinnamon rolls that will be remembered for a long time.