Maple Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preparing the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and 4 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
3. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when gently pressed with your finger.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Rolling and Filling the Dough:

6. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
10. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
11. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal slices.

3. Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:

12. Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
13. Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
14. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Making the Maple Glaze:

15. While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the maple glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed.

5. Glazing and Serving:

16. Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
17. Drizzle the warm cinnamon rolls generously with the maple glaze, allowing it to drip down the sides.
18. Serve the Maple Cinnamon Rolls warm and gooey, with extra glaze on the side if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Warm Oven for Rising: If your kitchen is cool, you can preheat your oven to the lowest setting, then turn it off and place the covered dough inside to rise.
• Even Slices: Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the cinnamon rolls for clean and even slices.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your milk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature to ensure proper dough development.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature and rise before proceeding with the recipe.

Conclusion:

With its soft and fluffy texture, irresistible cinnamon swirl, and decadent maple glaze, these homemade Maple Cinnamon Rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day, each bite is a heavenly delight that brings warmth and comfort to the soul. So, roll up your sleeves, dust off your flour, and embark on a baking adventure that will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goodness. Your taste buds will thank you!