The Best Cinnamon Rolls

They are unintentionally but conveniently eggless. I made this for a friend's family once and they kept asking for it again and again, but who can blame them? These are special because the secret ingredient is not only love, but LOTS of cinnamon!

Ingredients

• For the dough:

- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup warm milk

- 3 tablespoons sugar

- 2 tablespoons yeast

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/3 cup melted butter

• For the filling:

- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

- 1 cup brown sugar

- 1/4 cup softened butter

• For the icing (optional):

- 1 cup powdered sugar

- 1 tablespoon milk

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

Start by activating the yeast. In a bowl, mix the warm milk with sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.

Once the yeast is ready, combine the melted butter, flour, and salt in a mixing bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove any air bubbles. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Coat the dough with the butter evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Slice this log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, ensuring they are snug but leaving enough space between them. Cover the rolls again and let them rise for about 30 minutes. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, and enjoy the smell of your house.

If you choose to add icing, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled a bit, drizzle the icing over the top. This sweet finish adds an irresistible touch.

TIPS

Most recipes use insufficient cinnamon, by adding 2tbsp you are already elevating your recipe. To enhance it further, use a mixer and mortar and pestle to grind fresh cinnamon sticks into fine powder. Sieve this powder and use it instead. This will guarantee an even more aromatic recipe.