| Prep: 2 hrs | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 487 | 20g | 9g | 70g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 35g | 3g | 8g | 0.90g |
Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked goods, a scent that has the ability to kick-start your day with an immediate feeling of comfort and happiness. This is one of the many reasons I hold a deep fondness for this unique concoction of warm, flaky pastry and fruit – our flavourful Cinnamon Rolls recipe. A single bite back into the world of deliciousness can bring back nostalgic memories of New York’s bustling diners and charming bakeries, a sentiment that’s truly dear to my heart.
Capturing the Spirit of The Big Apple
As a native New Yorker, my culinary inspiration is drawn from the vibrant melting pot of cultures present in the city. And it is this rich tapestry that informs the fusion of flavours in our Cinnamon Rolls recipe. The soft, buttery dough, the aromatic cinnamon filling, the luscious cream cheese icing, and, finally, the tart twist of mixed berries – the union of which transports you to the streets of NYC in a heartbeat.
Health Benefits You Can’t Overlook
While we mustn’t ignore that these glorious Cinnamon Rolls are an indulgence, there are a few key ingredients involved that offer substantial health benefits. Cinnamon, besides its distinct scent and flavour, has long been recognised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.Multiple studies have linked this fragrant spice to lower blood sugar levels, while others have touted its possible role in heart disease prevention.
The fruit topping, a colourful medley of mixed berries, is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre – elements that contribute to overall immunity, digestive health, and heart health. Not to mention, it adds a fresh, fruity dimension to these sweet rolls, which is an essential part of why this recipe is so loved.
Perfect Pairings And Similar Treats
If you’re looking for a grand breakfast or brunch, pair these splendid Cinnamon Rolls with a savoury quiche or a hearty omelette. They also marry well with a classic iced coffee or a hot cup of cocoa on a lazy winter morning.
If you’re fond of sweet rolls, you might also appreciate recipes such as Orange Sweet Rolls or Apple Cider Doughnuts. The vibrant tang of citrus or the warm, spiced cider flavour cannot be underestimated.
From its origins in my beloved New York City to its health benefits and spectacular flavour pairings, the love for this Cinnamon Rolls recipe is vast and deep. It’s a tribute to a culinary journey well-travelled and a testament to the richness and diversity that the Big Apple represents.
What You’ll Need
- For the Dough:
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1/4 ounce package)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups bread flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- For the Fruit Topping:
- 1 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and sliced strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
Step One
First, prepare the dough by warming up the milk to about 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar and let it rest for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. Then, add the remaining sugar, egg, egg yolk and melted butter.
Step Two
Next, mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Slowly add the milk mixture and stir until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it and let it rest for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step Three
While the dough rests, prepare the filling by combining brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Then, roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread the softened butter on top. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the buttered dough. Roll up the dough tightly and cut into pieces to form the rolls.
Step Four
Place the rolls in a greased baking pan and let them rest for about 30 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, until they turn golden brown.
Step Five
While the rolls are baking, prepare the fruit topping by combining the mixed berries and sugar in a bowl. Set aside.
Step Six
Also prepare the cream cheese icing by beating together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until well-combined.
Step Seven
Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle over the cream cheese icing and top with the fruit mixture before serving.
