Introduction
There’s something truly comforting about the warm scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. These quick cinnamon rolls are the perfect remedy for those sweet cravings that hit you unexpectedly or when you’re looking to impress guests with minimal effort. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up soft, fluffy rolls with a delightful cinnamon-sugar filling, all within 40 minutes. Let’s dive into this deliciously easy recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 cinnamon rolls
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your rolls will be baked to perfection.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This combination creates the base for your light and fluffy dough.
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and egg. Pour this wet mixture into your dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 1 minute until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick. This is where the magic happens—each inch of dough will hold a treasure of cinnamon goodness!
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Let it cover every corner to ensure each bite is rich and creamy.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle this heavenly mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Starting from one of the longer edges, roll the dough tightly into a log. Tightly rolled dough ensures spirals of flavor with every slice!
- Cut the log into 8 equal slices and place them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for expansion.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the aroma dances throughout your home.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. This waiting period will only heighten your anticipation!
Notes or Tips
For a touch of indulgence, consider drizzling a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk over the warm rolls. If you want to add nuts or raisins to the filling, feel free to do so for extra texture and flavor. Remember, these rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough gently helps develop the gluten, which contributes to the rolls’ tender texture. Rolling the dough into an even rectangle is key to ensuring that each roll has an even amount of filling. Baking until golden brown gives you that satisfying visual cue of doneness, and the delightful smell will make it hard to resist diving right in!
FAQ
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the rolls, place them in the baking dish, and cover them tightly. Refrigerate overnight and bake them in the morning.
What can I substitute for the vegetable oil? You can use melted butter or any neutral oil, like canola oil, for a slightly different flavor.
Conclusion
These quick cinnamon rolls are the quintessential comfort food—warm, gooey, and impossibly delightful. Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a decadent weekday treat, they come together in no time. So gather your ingredients, and let the sweet cinnamon magic happen in your kitchen. Enjoy every delicious bite!