Holiday Cinnamon Rolls

Haven’t you heard? It’s the most wonderful time of the year! What better to accompany this holiday season than delicious, fluffy cinnamon rolls?! It’s a classic recipe that will always be 100% better than buying them from the store. Although the time needed for rising takes a few hours, the actual process of making them is fairly simple. I swear, as soon as I tasted these, I was immediately transported back to my childhood. The feeling was so homey and cozy – nothing in the last few months could match that feeling of contentment. I genuinely hope that warm feeling washes over you with every bite.

Cozy Holiday Cinnamon Roll Ingredients:

Milk- This recipe calls for whole milk, but any milk will suffice. Use what you have in your fridge (2% or a vegan friendly option). You will need to heat the milk to a temperature that is hot to the touch, but not burning. This step is crucial to making sure the yeast reacts with the temperature of the milk and your cinnamon rolls rise.

Instant Yeast- The rising of cinnamon rolls is always the trickiest part. It’s key to make sure the yeast is recent. If it is too old, your dough will not rise.

Honey- Adding some form of sugar helps in the yeast reaction, however honey is a more natural option than table sugar so we use it here in this recipe. If you don’t happen to have honey on hand, you can use table sugar, agave or maple syrup.

All-Purpose Flour- The classic cinnamon rolls use all-purpose flour for a light and fluffy texture. For gluten free purposes you can use other types of flours, however the texture of the cinnamon roll may be slightly different, usually more dense. Keep in mind you might want a bit of extra flour on hand, for rolling out your dough.

Egg- The egg helps hold all the ingredients together and aids in the rising of the dough. If making these cinnamon rolls vegan, “flaxseed eggs” can be substituted.

Butter- Of course the more butter you add to anything, the tastier it will be… in this case we are using butter in the dough as well as after rolling out our dough, before adding the cinnamon and sugar. If making vegan, vegan butter can be substituted.

Brown Sugar- Due to the small addition of molasses in brown sugar, it provides the cinnamon rolls with a richer flavor compared to using white sugar.

Cinnamon- This is an essential ingredient! Paired with the brown sugar, it’s going to give these rolls all the flavor. Cinnamon has so many health benefits – it’s loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds – so don’t be shy when adding it in.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Cow’s Milk, Whole (warm)
• 1 tsp Instant Yeast
• 1 1/2 tbsps Honey
• 6 1/3 ozs Unbleached All Purpose Flour
• 1 Egg
• 1/4 cup Butter (divided, room temperature)
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt (divided)
• 1/16 oz Avocado Oil Spray (divided)
• 3 tbsps Brown Sugar
• 1 tbsp Cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a bowl of a stand mixer, add the milk, yeast, and honey. Whisk until combined and let sit for about five minutes.
2. Add the flour, egg, and half of the butter to the bowl. Use a hook attachment and knead for about seven to ten minutes on medium-low speed or until a dough forms. Add half of the salt and knead for another minute.
3. Spray a bowl with half of the oil spray. Use your hand and shape the dough into a ball. Transfer the dough to the bowl. Cover with a damp towel and let sit in a slightly warm place for 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the remaining butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and the remaining salt. Gently roll the dough out into a rough rectangle, about 8 inches (20 cm) long and 1/4 inch (1/2 cm) thick. Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly on top of the dough.
5. Starting on one long side, gently roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife and cut the log into six equal pieces. Spray a baking dish with the remaining oil spray. Add the cinnamon rolls to the dish. Cover with a towel and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Enjoy!

Notes:

• Leftovers- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Serving Size- One serving is equal to one cinnamon roll.
• Additional Toppings- Top with cream cheese frosting (1/4 C cream cheese, 1/2 C powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch of salt)
• Make Ahead- You can make the cinnamon rolls the night before you want to serve them. After you arrange the cinnamon rolls into the baking dish, cover the dish and refrigerate. In the morning, let the dough come to room temperature for about an hour and then bake as instructed.
• Avocado Oil Spray- One gram (or 1/16 oz) of avocado oil spray is equal to a one-second spray.

Health Insights:

• Digestive Health- The recipe contains whole cow’s milk and unbleached all-purpose flour, both of which are good sources of dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system, as it aids in regular bowel movements and helps prevent constipation.
• Bone Health- The ingredients in this recipe, such as cow’s milk and eggs, provide a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Both of these nutrients are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
• Energy Levels- The honey and brown sugar in this recipe provide a quick source of energy. Additionally, the flour and egg contribute to the protein content, which is essential for energy production and muscle repair.