Mama Corinne’s Cinnamon Rolls
Growing up my mother owned a bread bakery and a natural food store. My brothers and I were admittedly spoiled by all her delicious treats. One of our all-time favorites were her gooey, soft cinnamon rolls. I remember her always making them around Valentine’s Day for breakfast.
After all, what says love more than the smell of cinnamon drifting through the house? These rolls melt in your mouth and are easy to make. She used to top with fresh honey, however, I have included a frosting made with coffee and maple syrup. Enjoy!!
Ingredients:
(makes 15)
For the rolls:
1 ¾ cup whole milk
½ cup sugar
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp active dry yeast
4 ½ cup all-purpose flour (I use organic)
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
For the filling:
8 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
½ cup granulated sugar
4 tbsp cinnamon
For the frosting:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp maple syrup
1 tbsp melted butter
1 ½ tbsp black coffee
Directions
Making the dough:
Combine the milk, sugar and vegetable oil in a saucepan. Warm it through but do not make it hot
Pour the milk mixture into a mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Wait for it to start to bubble (5-10 minutes)
When the yeast is activated, add 4 cups of the flour. Mix with a stand-up mixer dough hook attached or with a wooden spoon by hand
Cover the dough and let it rise for an hour
Meanwhile measure ½ cup flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt
After the dough has risen for an hour, add the flour mixture to the dough and mix until all the flour is incorporated
Cover the bowl with plastic and refrigerate overnight
Making the cinnamon rolls:
Grease two 9” pans with melted butter
Punch down the dough and scrape it onto a floured work surface
Using a rolling pin roll the dough out to a rectangle approximately 30x18 inches wide. Make sure the dough is even and thin
Once the dough is rolled out, brush the melted butter over the top of the rectangle
Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon over the butter layer
You will then roll the dough into a log. Staring with the 30-inch side closest to you. Roll the dough tightly tucking as you go along. When you have reached the end gently pinch the seems to seal
Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 2-inch pieces. Place the rolls cut-side down (so that you see the swirls) into the pans keeping them close together
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees
Cover the pans and let the rolls rise for at least 40 minutes in a warm dry place. Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes until they are brown
Once the rolls are done, place the pans on a cooling rack
Making the frosting:
Combine the powdered sugar, maple syrup, butter and coffee with a hand mixer until smooth
Drizzle the frosting over the tops of the rolls and serve immediately.
Maria Minden Telfer is a self-taught cook who loves to cook for her family and friends.
