Cinnamon Rolls

My grandma's cinnamon rolls are another one of those foods that bring me such comfort. I have always been intimidated by them, but decided since the winter will soon be coming to a close (meaning my kitchen will soon be a burning inferno) it was time to give them a shot.

The recipe is very simple. It is my grandmother's dinner roll recipe (here) covered with butter, cinnamon and sugar. Since I still have not perfected the roll recipe, it gave me another opportunity to see what I have been doing wrong. I think the next time I give the rolls a try they will be perfect!

These cinnamon rolls turned out really well, but just a little dry. I find that I think I knead too much flour into my breads whenever I have to knead them. Every time I make a bread that needs to be kneaded, it is a little too dry. I plan on keeping at it until I get it right, though. I will force myself to be a better baker!

Anyway, on to the cinnamon rolls.

Cinnamon Rolls

(my grandmother's recipe)

1 package yeast dissolved in 1/4 c. warm water
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. sugar
1 t. salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup warm water (I haven't tried it yet, but I suggest starting with 3/4 c. of water instead)
4 cups flour, +more for kneading

1/2-3/4 c. melted butter

1/2 c. sugar

3-4 TB ground cinnamon

Mix together yeast and water and allow to sit for at least 10 minutes until yeast is dissolved. Mix together yeast, eggs, sugar, salt, butter, water and flour until sticky (and it will be very sticky). Place in a lightly greased bowl and cover. Place in a warm place with no draft and allow to double (about 1 1/2 hours). Turn onto floured surface and knead a little flour into dough, then roll into a rectangle approx. 24" X 15". Spread on melted butter, then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Starting along the long edge (the 24" side) roll up the dough, being careful to not push all of the butter off as you roll. Cut slices of the dough about 1 1/2" thick. Place in a greased baking dish, with space between each roll. Cover and allow to double in size again.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place rolls in oven and cook 25-30 minutes, or until tops of rolls are lightly golden brown.

Top cinnamon rolls with a powdered sugar frosting (mix together powdered sugar, milk, and a little vanilla extract until it reaches the desired consistency).