Ingredients:
For the dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm milk
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ tsp salt
For the filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the glaze (optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk or cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Mix until combined, then knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. You can also mix in chopped nuts if using.
Roll and Fill:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log as shown in the image.
Cut the rolled dough into even slices and place them into a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
Second Rise:
Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they are puffy and have filled the space in the pan.
Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Glaze (Optional):
While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Finish and Serve:
Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve and enjoy!