Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, warm cinnamon & cream cheese rolls are a delightful treat that brings a sense of warmth and coziness. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet pick-me-up during the day. The combination of fragrant cinnamon, gooey cream cheese filling, and soft, pillowy dough is a match made in pastry heaven. In this article, we will explore how to make these delicious rolls from scratch, along with some variations and tips to elevate your baking game.
Ingredients
To make warm cinnamon & cream cheese rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
– All-purpose flour
– Active dry yeast
– Milk
– Sugar
– Salt
– Butter
– Cinnamon
– Cream cheese
– Powdered sugar
– Vanilla extract
– Egg
– Warm water
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a delectable pastry that will delight your taste buds.
Steps
1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Heat milk and butter in a saucepan until the butter is melted. Let it cool slightly.
3. Add the milk mixture, sugar, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
4. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
5. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread a mixture of softened cream cheese, sugar, and cinnamon.
6. Roll up the dough tightly and cut it into slices.
7. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise again.
8. Bake the rolls until golden brown and fragrant.
9. Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla extract to make a glaze. Drizzle it over the warm rolls.
Variations
There are endless ways to customize your warm cinnamon & cream cheese rolls:
– Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture.
– Sprinkle orange zest or lemon zest over the rolls for a citrusy twist.
– Drizzle caramel sauce or chocolate ganache over the baked rolls for a decadent finish.
– Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
Feel free to get creative and tailor the rolls to your preferences.
Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your warm cinnamon & cream cheese rolls turn out perfect every time:
– Use warm, but not hot, milk to activate the yeast effectively.
– Don’t overwork the dough; gentle handling will result in a softer texture.
– Let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure proper proofing.
– Brush the rolls with melted butter before baking for a golden crust.
– Allow the rolls to cool slightly before adding the cream cheese glaze to prevent it from melting completely.
Conclusion
Warm cinnamon & cream cheese rolls are a delightful indulgence that is sure to brighten any morning or afternoon. With a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these rolls are a comforting treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for a special brunch, the aroma and taste of these rolls will always bring joy. Get creative with your fillings and toppings to make this classic pastry your own.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake the rolls later?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Q: How should I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
A: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze unbaked rolls for later use?
A: Yes, you can freeze the rolls after shaping them. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as usual.
Warm Cinnamon & Cream Cheese Rolls
Delight in the comforting flavors of warm cinnamon and cream cheese wrapped in soft, pillowy dough. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you need a sweet pick-me-up during the day. Elevate your baking game with this delightful treat.
Ingredients
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
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1 cup milk
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1/4 cup sugar
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/4 cup butter
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2 tsp cinnamon
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 egg
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1/4 cup warm water
Directions
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In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
-
Heat milk and butter in a saucepan until the butter is melted. Let it cool slightly.
-
Add the milk mixture, sugar, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
-
Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
-
Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread a mixture of softened cream cheese, sugar, and cinnamon.
-
Roll up the dough tightly and cut it into slices.
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Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise again.
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Bake the rolls until golden brown and fragrant.
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Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla extract to make a glaze. Drizzle it over the warm rolls.
