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King Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 77 reviews

These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, combining soft, fluffy dough with a generous cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they feature a tender crumb enriched with buttery flavor and a lovely balance of sweetness and spice.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)

Filling

  • Softened butter (amount not specified, estimated 4 tbsp for spreading)
  • Ground cinnamon and granulated sugar mixture (use remaining cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling)

Glaze

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp milk or cream

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is activated and ready.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk the granulated sugar, melted butter, and room temperature eggs into the frothy yeast mixture until well combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground cinnamon thoroughly.
  4. Form Dough: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead gently for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  6. Prepare Dough for Rolling: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread softened butter evenly over the top and generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the surface.
  7. Shape Rolls: Tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into equal pieces roughly 2 inches thick. Arrange the slices cut side up in a greased baking dish.
  8. Second Rise: Cover the rolls loosely and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy.
  9. Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for about 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
  10. Make Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until smooth and pourable.
  11. Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are warm from the oven, drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the top. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Knead the dough just until smooth to keep the rolls tender.
  • Softened butter for spreading the cinnamon-sugar should be easy to spread but not melted.
  • Allowing the rolls to rise twice helps create a light and fluffy texture.
  • Use cream instead of milk in the glaze for a richer finish, if desired.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: King Cake, Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Sugar Rolls, Breakfast Pastry, Sweet Rolls, Vanilla Glaze

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/king-cake-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/