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Grandma’s Famous Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 114 reviews

Grandma’s Famous Cinnamon Rolls are a classic, soft, and fluffy treat made from a rich, yeast-raised dough filled with a cinnamon and brown sugar mixture, then topped with a luscious vanilla cinnamon frosting. Perfect for breakfast or any cozy occasion, these rolls feature a tender crumb and an ideal balance of sweetness and spice, with practical tips for perfect slicing and rising.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 1/2 cups warm milk
  • 3 tablespoons lard shortening (can be substituted but lard is best)
  • 1 tablespoon yeast
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 7 cups all purpose flour

Filling

  • 1 heaping cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 4 oz (1 stick) room temperature butter (not melted)

Frosting

  • 1 stick room temperature butter (8 Tablespoons)
  • 4 tablespoons milk
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Warm Liquid Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, and lard. Heat gently in the microwave or on the stove for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds, ensuring the mixture is warm but not hot enough to kill the yeast.
  2. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a KitchenAid mixer or a large mixing bowl, whisk together yeast, granulated sugar, 3 cups of flour, and salt. Add the warm liquid mixture and stir until smooth. Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel and let it rest for 5 minutes until bubbles form, indicating activated yeast.
  3. Add Remaining Flour & Knead: Gradually add the remaining 4 cups of flour, mixing thoroughly to develop a smooth and elastic dough. Attach a dough hook if using a mixer and knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until fully incorporated and well-developed gluten forms.
  4. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a large, pre-greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
  5. Shape Dough: Sprinkle flour on the countertop and turn the risen dough out gently. Lightly dust the dough top with flour. Carefully roll it into a roughly 16×20-inch rectangle without pressing down to maintain the bubbles.
  6. Add Filling: Spread the room temperature, softened butter evenly over the rectangle. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon uniformly on top.
  7. Roll Dough: Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough away from you into a log approximately 19 inches long. Shape and pat it slightly to even out thickness end to end.
  8. Slice Rolls: Use dental floss to slide under the roll and cut into 12 even slices by first halving, then quartering each half, and slicing into thirds for uniformity.
  9. Second Rise: Spray a sheet pan with cooking spray. Place the rolls on the pan, cover with a flour sack towel, and let rise for 30 minutes for optimal fluffiness and texture.
  10. Preheat Oven & Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
  11. Cool Rolls: Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the cinnamon rolls to a cooling rack. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before applying frosting.
  12. Prepare Frosting: Mix room temperature butter, milk, powdered sugar, vanilla, and optional cinnamon thoroughly to create a smooth frosting.
  13. Frost Rolls: Frost the warm (not hot) cinnamon rolls generously before serving for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use lard for the richest flavor and texture in the dough, but shortening can be substituted if preferred.
  • The warmth of the liquid for yeast activation should be between 100°F to 110°F to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Using dental floss for slicing prevents squashing the rolls and helps create clean, even cuts.
  • Allowing the second rise after shaping is crucial for light and fluffy rolls.
  • Do not frost the rolls when they are too hot to avoid melting and runny frosting.

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, classic cinnamon rolls, sweet rolls, breakfast pastries, yeast rolls, cinnamon sugar rolls

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/grandmas-famous-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/