Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy and activated.
2. Once the yeast is activated, add the egg, vanilla sugar, salt, and flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Add the room temperature butter to the dough, and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles, and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log.
7. Using a sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss, cut the dough into 12 equal-sized rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
8. Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and doubled in size.
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have finished rising, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
10. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, with a drizzle of icing or glaze if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot, as hot milk can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
• Be patient during the rising process, as this allows the yeast to ferment and create air bubbles, resulting in light and fluffy rolls.
• Don’t overfill the rolls with the cinnamon sugar mixture, as this can cause the filling to ooze out during baking.
• Feel free to customize the filling with chopped nuts, raisins, or even a smear of cream cheese for extra flavor and texture.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious and comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their soft, fluffy texture and sweet cinnamon sugar filling, these rolls are sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful indulgence that’s worth the effort of making from scratch. So why not gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try? Your family and friends will thank you for it!