Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Pull Apart Cinnamon Rolls wafting through your kitchen—soft, gooey, and drizzled with creamy frosting. These delightful rolls are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re a warm hug in pastry form! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game and impress your family and friends. Ready to indulge in a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone begging for seconds? Let’s dive into the delightful world of cinnamon rolls!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting (for topping)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) of instant yeast. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of warmed milk, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing together 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of raisins (if using) in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12x18 inches.
- Spread the filling mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
- Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for a clean cut. Arrange the pieces in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, placing them close together.
- Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 15-20 minutes until they puff up slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with 1/2 cup of cream cheese frosting while they are still warm for a delicious finish.
- Serve the pull-apart cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy your homemade treat!
Tips
- Warm Ingredients: Ensure your milk is warmed, but not hot, to activate the yeast effectively. A temperature of around 110°F (43°C) is ideal.
- Knead Well: Kneading the dough until it's smooth and elastic is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture. Don’t rush this step!
- Perfect Rise: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, consider turning on the oven for a minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside to rise.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to customize the filling! Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even apple pieces for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Cutting the Dough: Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough. This will help you achieve clean, even slices without squishing the rolls.
- Frost While Warm: Drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the rolls while they are still warm for a melty, decadent finish that enhances the flavors.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them for a quick treat later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
