Cotton cinnamon rolls are one of the most famous desserts that offer a distinctive flavor and a soft texture that falls apart easily. This type of cinnamon roll is characterized by its wonderful taste, which contains a blend of brown sugar and cinnamon, making it a favorite dessert for everyone. The cinnamon roll contains nutritious ingredients such as flour, which provides energy to the body, and butter, which contains healthy fats that promote skin health. However, attention should be paid to the sugar content in this dessert, as overconsumption can lead to weight gain. Therefore, it is preferable to enjoy the cotton cinnamon rolls in moderation to benefit from their delicious taste without affecting health.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Filling:

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Topping:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation Method:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add the warm milk, beaten egg, and melted butter, and mix the ingredients well until you get a smooth dough. Knead the dough by hand or using an electric mixer for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and leave the dough in a warm place for an hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until you get a smooth and homogeneous mixture. Make sure the butter is at room temperature to easily incorporate it with the other ingredients.
3. Roll out the dough: After the dough rises, place it on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Make sure the dough is even and uniform in size.
4. Add the filling: Spread the prepared filling evenly over the surface of the dough using a flat spatula. Ensure that the filling covers the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small edge at the end to easily seal it after rolling.
5. Cutting and baking: After adding the filling, roll the dough from the long side to form a tight cylinder. Using a sharp knife or string, cut the cylinder into slices about 2 cm thick. Place the cinnamon roll slices in a buttered pan or lined with parchment paper. Let the slices rise for 15-20 minutes before baking to allow them to expand slightly. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and the delicious smell fills the place.

Topping Preparation:

In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until you get a smooth, creamy mixture.

If the mixture is too thick, you can add more milk to reach the desired consistency.

Serving:

After the cinnamon rolls cool slightly, pour the white topping evenly over the top.

Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy their delicious taste.

You will get soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls thanks to the well-fermented dough and the rich cinnamon filling.

Tips to Customize the Recipe:

Adding Additional Ingredients: You can add nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even chopped chocolate to increase flavor and crunch. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can also be added to customize the recipe to your taste.

Decoration: You can decorate the soft cinnamon rolls by adding caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or even fresh fruits like berries or bananas. This will add extra flavor and make the appearance more appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use gluten-free flour to make soft cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can replace regular flour with gluten-free flour, such as rice flour or almond flour. However, the texture and taste might differ slightly since gluten flour contributes to the softness and elasticity of the dough.

What are the available alternatives for butter in this recipe?

You can replace butter with vegetable oil, such as coconut oil or regular vegetable oil. You can also use plant-based butter or margarine. Keep in mind that substituting butter may slightly affect the flavor and texture, as butter provides a rich taste and soft texture.

Can soft cinnamon rolls be stored? If so, how can they be preserved?

Yes, soft cinnamon rolls can be stored. If you want to keep them for a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.

What is the best way to reheat the soft cinnamon rolls after storing them?

The best way to reheat cinnamon rolls is to place them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 160°C for 5-10 minutes until warm. If stored in the freezer, it’s best to take them out to thaw in the fridge before reheating them as described.

Can the amount of sugar be reduced or replaced with natural sweeteners like honey or Stevia?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar in the recipe. Natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or Stevia can be used as substitutes for white sugar. However, these sweeteners may affect the flavor and overall taste of the cinnamon rolls.

Can the recipe be made without yeast?

Yeast can be replaced with baking powder, but keep in mind that the dough size and taste will be different. The result will depend on the type and amount of baking powder used.

Can this recipe be prepared in advance for a special occasion?

Yes, the dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days before baking. You can also shape the cinnamon rolls, place them in a baking pan, cover them, and store them in the fridge until baking time. When ready, bake them directly from the fridge.

Can butter be replaced with vegetable oil?

As mentioned earlier, butter can be replaced with vegetable oil like coconut oil or regular vegetable oil. However, keep in mind that coconut oil may impart a distinctive flavor to the cinnamon rolls.

Can cinnamon rolls be made without yeast?

Cinnamon rolls can be made using baking powder as a substitute for yeast. However, you need to consider that baking powder will make the dough less elastic and may lead to different results in terms of texture and flavor.