Home-Style Cinnamon Rolls
Homemade cinnamon rolls, a comforting treat perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon. This recipe uses pumpkin puree and brown butter for an extra layer of flavor.
Homemade cinnamon rolls, a comforting treat perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon. This recipe uses pumpkin puree and brown butter for an extra layer of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- frosting:
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- filling:
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup almond breeze original or any almond breeze almond-cashew blend
- 3 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
- 4 ounces light plain cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons almond breeze unsweetened original or almond cashew original
- Carbohydrate 48.1
- Cholesterol 41
- Fat 10.6
- Protein 6.3
- Sodium 197
- Calories 310 calories;
Step-by-step
- Place 1/4 cup butter in small sauce pan over medium high heat. Butter will begin to melt, foam, and crackle. Whisk continuously until butter begins to brown and smell similar to caramel. Immediately remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool for a few minutes while you make the dough.
- In bowl of an electric mixture, add warm almond milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
- While the yeast is activating, whisk together flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt together in a large bowl.
- Once the milk is a bit foamy from the yeast add in 1/2 of the flour mixture, along with the pumpkin puree, egg, and cooled brown butter; stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. Then add in the rest of the flour and stir again until just combined.
- Place dough hook on your mixer and run on medium-low speed for about 8 minutes. Alternatively you can knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes.
- Grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray. Add dough and turn over, making sure to coat it all with the oil. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel, then place in a warm place to rise for about 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, combine the filling ingredients: 1/4 cup softened butter, 2/3 cup brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Once dough is doubled in size, place onto a large surface dusted with flour. Punch dough down and roll into a 15x9-inch rectangle. Spread butter and cinnamon sugar mixture over the dough leaving a 1/2 inch border. Beginning at the 15 inch side, roll up tightly and pinch edges together to seal. Using a serrated knife, gently cut into 12 slices.
- Grease the bottom of a 9x13-inch or 8x11-inch pan with butter or cooking spray (don't skimp). Place cinnamon roll slices in pan, cover with plastic wrap and let rise again for 30-45 minutes or until dough doubles in size. At this point you can decide if you want to bake them now or later. If later, you can stick them in the refrigerator overnight (covered well). When you are ready to bake the rolls, simply take them out of the 30 minutes prior to baking and bring to room temperature.
- To bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until barely golden brown. Cool for 5-10 minutes.
- While cooling, make the frosting by combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and 2 teaspoons almond milk in a medium bowl. Spread evenly over warm rolls. Enjoy!
The Comforting Embrace of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
There's something undeniably magical about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. It's a scent that instantly transports you to a place of warmth, comfort, and pure indulgence. For me, baking is more than just following a recipe; it's an act of love, a way to nurture myself and my family. And these home-style cinnamon rolls, with their rich, buttery goodness and perfectly spiced swirl, are a testament to that. They're not just a breakfast treat; they're a symbol of creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch, a small act of joy in the midst of everyday life. The soft, pillowy dough, the sweet and spicy cinnamon filling, the creamy, tangy frosting – it's a symphony of flavors and textures that dances on your palate.
The process itself is a meditation of sorts. The gentle kneading of the dough, the careful spreading of the filling, the anticipation of watching them rise – each step is a mindful moment, a chance to slow down and connect with the process. It's a far cry from the convenience of store-bought pastries, and that’s precisely what I cherish. The time spent kneading, mixing, and waiting is a small price to pay for the unparalleled taste and satisfaction of knowing you created this deliciousness from the heart of your own kitchen. The warmth radiating from the oven, the happy sighs as we tear into these melt-in-your-mouth delights – those are the moments that make baking truly rewarding. It’s a small act of self-care, a mindful experience, and a delicious outcome, all rolled into one sweet, sticky package.
The Magic of Brown Butter
This recipe introduces an unexpected twist with the addition of brown butter. Trust me, it elevates these cinnamon rolls to a whole new level of flavor. The nutty, caramelly notes of the browned butter beautifully complement the warmth of the cinnamon and spice, adding a depth of richness that you won't find in traditional recipes. It's a small detail, but it makes all the difference.
Pumpkin Puree: A Secret Ingredient
Another secret weapon in this recipe is the pumpkin puree. Don't let it intimidate you; it adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the dough, resulting in rolls that are incredibly soft and tender. It's a surprising addition that perfectly balances the richness of the brown butter and the warmth of the spices.
More than just a Recipe, it's an Experience
More than just a recipe, making these cinnamon rolls is an experience. It’s a chance to connect with the simple pleasures of cooking, to create something beautiful and delicious, and to share that joy with those you love. The aroma fills your home with warmth and comfort, setting a tranquil atmosphere, a reminder of simpler times. The warmth of the oven and the happy anticipation of sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey, cinnamon-laced roll is something that’s almost impossible to put into words. The simple act of creating this food creates a sense of contentment that goes beyond just the taste.
Beyond the Kitchen: Baking as Self-Care
In today's fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily life. Finding moments of peace and self-care can feel like a luxury, but it's essential for our well-being. For me, baking is my sanctuary, a time to disconnect from the demands of work and family and simply focus on the task at hand. The rhythmic kneading of the dough, the satisfying smell of baking spices – it's a form of mindfulness, a way to center myself and find calm in the midst of chaos. It’s a chance to exercise a bit of creative control, a place where everything is under my control. And the result? A delicious treat that not only satisfies my sweet tooth but also nourishes my soul.
So, whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, I encourage you to try this recipe. It's a rewarding experience that will leave you with not just delicious cinnamon rolls, but also a sense of accomplishment and a whole lot of happiness. The sweet, comforting aroma, the warm, gooey rolls, and the joy of sharing them with loved ones – those are the things that truly make baking worthwhile.
The kitchen has become my sanctuary. A place where I escape the pressures of work, where I can lose myself in the ritual of measuring, mixing, and kneading. It’s where I find my peace and where I create something tangible and delicious. These cinnamon rolls are more than just a recipe; they're a reflection of that journey. They're a symbol of comfort, a testament to the simple joys in life, and a delicious reminder to take time for myself.
