These are the same Cinnamon Rolls that were served to us with coffee when I took the Artisan Bread Class at the Viking Store in Franklin, Tennessee. We did not make them during the class, but the recipe was included in our take-home packet of materials, and I am so glad that it was. These Cinnamon Rolls are the best ever. The filling is a combination of butter, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla powder. I think the vanilla powder is the ingredient that puts them over the top.
Cinnamon Rolls
Rolls
2 cups milk
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast (or 4 1/2 teaspoons)
5 to 5 1/2 cups all purpose flour, divided
1 tablespoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil to grease bowl
Filling
8 tablespoons salted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla powder (optional)
1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup dried cherries; currants; cranberries; or raisins (optional)
Glaze
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To make the rolls – Combine the milk and sugar in a small saucepan; whisk together. Cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the milk has reached 110 degrees. (Use an instant-read thermometer to test the temperature.) Pour the warm milk mixture into a small bowl; add the yeast and whisk to combine. Set aside until foamy and creamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Place 5 cups of flour and the salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed for 30 seconds to combine. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, increase speed to medium-high and continue mixing until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 4 to 5 minutes. After the first 2 minutes of mixing, if the dough seems too sticky, add the remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough cleans the sides of the bowl. The dough may continue to stick slightly to the bottom of the bowl. (The dough should register approximately 80 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.) Using a dough scraper or a silicone spatula, scrape the dough out onto a lightly floured silicone rolling mat; knead until satiny smooth, about 1 minute.
Place dough in a lightly oiled mixing bowl; turn the dough over to oil all sides. Cover with oiled plastic wrap and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Punch down (deflate) the dough, then turn out onto a lightly floured silicone mat. Roll the dough into a rectangle 15 inches in length and about 1/4 inch thick.
To make the filling – Spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough. Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla powder; whisk together, then sprinkle evenly over the butter. Cover the entire surface, but leave 1/2 inch border on both long sides. Sprinkle evenly with nuts and dried fruit, if desired.
Starting at the long side nearest you, tightly roll the dough into a log as you would for a jelly-roll, then pinch the seams to seal. Place on a parchment paper lined sheet pan, seam side down; cover loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about an hour (or place in the freezer for about 15 minutes).
Cut the chilled log into 12 evenly sized pieces, each about 1 1/4 inches thick. (For best results use a sharp serrated or electric knife.) Place on an oiled baking sheet, cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap, and allow to rise until almost doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Bake in the center of the oven until light golden brown, about 15 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through the baking time.
To make the glaze – In a medium bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract; whisk together until smooth. Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for 2 to 3 minutes after baking, then pour the glaze over the top of the rolls; serve immediately.
After the dough is mixed, turn it out on a lightly floured mat and knead for about one minute.
Turn the dough over in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise for about 1 hour.
The dough will double in size.
Deflate the dough, then roll it out into a rectangle with 15-inch sides.
Brush the softened butter over the dough.
Whisk the cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla powder together. I couldn’t find any vanilla powder locally. I ordered mine online.
Sprinkle the filling evenly over the butter. I opted not to use the nuts or fruit.
Tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the seams to seal.
This recipe indicates it will make 12 cinnamon rolls – oops! I ended up with 15 rolls!
Wait 2 or 3 minutes after removing the rolls from the oven before pouring the glaze over the top.
I baked my rolls in a 9 x 13-inch pan, and they completely filled the pan after rising. I think next time I will bake them on a larger sheet pan and try to separate them a little more. These rolls are just amazing. Thank you for the recipe Chef Sandra, you’re pretty amazing too.
All images and text copyright © 2021 Sugar, Spice and Spilled Milk/Aunt Nubby’s Kitchen.Blogspot.com
Your dough looks beautiful-love cinnamon buns! I haven't heard of vanilla powder before, now I have something new to be on the lookout for:@)
They sound deliciious! I am going to have to look for some vanilla powder.
Oh my golly. These look wonderful! I've never heard of vanilla powder. I'll have to go look for it. Thanks and happy Sunday!
Oh my, I wish I had one of these right now! I love making cinnamon rolls…and my family loves eating them. I haven't heard of vanilla powder ~ something to check out. Thanks for sharing!
xo
Pat
Thanks for the link to get the vanilla powder. I thought of driving over to taste them but figured they'd be all gone by then! LOL! Thank you so much for sharing your recipe with us.
Once I saw the tile "Cinnamon Rolls" I was hooked! I've never heard of the vanilla powder before. Sounds like it would be another layer of flavor added to the filling. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Oh my goodness – I have got to get me some of that vanilla powder and your cinnamon rolls sound so good right now!
Oh my, the rolls look sinfully delicious, Anita! I need to get some vanilla powder.
These rolls looks delicious!
I loooooooooove cinnamon rolls (and actually make them quite often)
You can always use vanilla paste instead of vanilla powder
I haven't seen vanilla powder but I will keep my eyes open. Yum! These look amazing.
Anita,
This is a great tutorial for your awesome rolls, sure wish I had one right now to go with my coffee. Hope you have a great week end and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Oh cinammon rolls… what a brilliant recipe 🙂