Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. These delightful treats are soft and fluffy with a rich, sweet filling that will make your taste buds sing. Perfect for brunch gatherings, cozy family breakfasts, or even as a special afternoon snack, these homemade cinnamon rolls will quickly become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into making these scrumptious rolls!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour as needed, mixing until a soft dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- After it has risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the rectangle of dough, then sprinkle generously with packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut it into slices that are about 1 inch thick.
- Place the cinnamon roll slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced out and not touching each other.
- Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and puffed up.
- While the rolls are baking, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create a smooth icing.
- Once the rolls have cooled slightly after baking, drizzle the warm icing over them before serving.
Notes or Tips
- Make sure to warm the milk gently; it should be cozy to the touch but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these rolls can also be baked in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
- Feel free to add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for an extra twist.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe primarily involves basic dough-making techniques such as mixing, kneading, and rolling. Kneading is particularly important to develop the gluten in the dough, ensuring your rolls are light and fluffy. The air fryer provides a quicker way to achieve that golden-brown finish without heating up your whole kitchen, making it a fantastic option for baking on warm days.
FAQ
- Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
- How should I store leftover cinnamon rolls? Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.
Conclusion
There you have it! Homemade cinnamon rolls that are irresistibly soft and fluffy, drizzled with a sweet icing that enhances their flavor. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer or savored the next day, these rolls are sure to warm your heart and fill your home with delightful aromas. So roll up those sleeves and treat yourself to this delicious baking adventure!