How to Make the Perfect Cinnamon Rolls with a Gooey Filling
Cinnamon rolls are the epitome of comfort food, and the perfect combination of a soft, buttery dough and a rich, gooey filling makes them irresistible. Whether you’re preparing them for a special breakfast, a holiday treat, or simply a cozy weekend morning, mastering the art of making cinnamon rolls with a gooey filling will elevate your baking skills to the next level. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the ultimate cinnamon rolls that are fluffy, flavorful, and filled with that delicious, sticky sweetness.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the gooey glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F), granulated sugar, and the active dry yeast. Stir gently to dissolve, then allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t foam up, your yeast may be expired, and you will need to start again with fresh yeast.
In a separate large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the dry ingredients, along with the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable. Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough ball into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm area to rise. Let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. The dough will be light and airy once ready.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. This mixture will form the sweet, gooey filling for your cinnamon rolls.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches. Be sure to roll it evenly to ensure the filling is spread out well when you roll it up.
Step 5: Add the Filling
Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough using a spatula. Leave a small border along the edges of the dough so the filling doesn’t spill out when you roll it up.
Step 6: Roll and Slice the Dough
Starting from one of the long edges of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log, ensuring the filling stays inside. Once fully rolled, use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into about 12 equal slices. The key is to make clean cuts to ensure the rolls hold their shape and the gooey filling doesn’t ooze out too much during baking.
Step 7: Let the Rolls Rise Again
Place the sliced cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. If you’re not sure how to arrange them, you can place them in a tight row so that they touch each other slightly, which will help them rise taller as they bake. Cover the pan with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes or until they are puffed up and slightly touching.
Step 8: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, place them in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. The aroma will be heavenly as they bake! Keep an eye on them toward the end to make sure they don’t over-brown.
Step 9: Make the Gooey Glaze
While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 10: Drizzle the Glaze
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling the gooey glaze generously over the top. The heat from the rolls will help the glaze melt into the rolls, creating that signature gooey texture.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy the soft, pillowy dough with the sweet, gooey filling. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent dessert. If you have leftovers (unlikely, but it happens), they can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days or frozen for longer storage.
Making perfect cinnamon rolls with a gooey filling is an art form that requires a little time and patience, but the end result is well worth it. The combination of a soft, slightly sweet dough, a cinnamon-brown sugar filling, and the rich, gooey glaze makes each bite an absolute delight. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit every time.