Simple Cinnamon Rolls

We knew we were smitten with baking when our first real attempt - pigs in the blanket - came out super nice. We were thrilled, motivated and really eager to try more of it. The question of course was - what's next?

With the sale season on in Delhi (or most parts of India) and endless trips to the malls, we always end up having cinnabons with coffee or as a dessert, and our favourite is mini pecabons loaded with pecans. So last Sunday, we got the inspiration to roll up these delicious mini heavens and enjoy them crispy and hot, straight from our oven. The versions we made (not very decadent) is a relatively easy recipe and we replaced the rich layer of cream that the mass versions have with delicious and healthier caramelized walnuts. 

We can sense that you are not able to resist any more and are craving for that delicious bite. Don't wait any longer -  bring out the floor, switch on the oven, and start baking with this simple recipe. 

Ingredients (20 - 24 mini cinnamon rolls)

For the dough

2 cups All purpose flour
½ tsp Salt
1 tbsp Milk powder
1 ½ tbsp Sugar
1 ¼ tsp Active dry yeast
3/4 cup Warm milk
1 egg white
25 gms butter 

For the layering
Melted butter (2-3 tbsp)
Brown Sugar as per taste (around 2-3 tbsp)
Cinnamon powder as per taste (around 2 tsp)

Method

To prepare the dough

1. Mix flour, salt and milk powder

2. Mix sugar, warm milk and yeast in a bowl and let it rest for 5 - 8 mins

3. Mix yeast mixture with flour mixture and add egg white

4. Heat the butter and add to the dough in 3 parts

5. Take out the dough on a lightly floured surface and keep kneading with the heel of your hands for 10-12 minutes. (This step is the key to success)

6. Transfer the dough to slightly oiled bowl and cover it with a moist cloth. Let it rise for at least 2 - 4 hours in a warm place.

7. Divide dough into balls and roll it into rectangle

8. Cover with a thin layer of melted butter, sprinkle liberally with cinnamon and then sprinkle with brown sugar

9. Starting with the long side, roll the dough. Fold the dough up and close the roll by pinching it together.

10. Take the sharp knife and cut the roll into 2 inch sections.

11. Place them in a greased pan almost touching each other. Let these rise about 40 minutes

Note: We baked them in three parts but you may choose to adjust based on the size of your oven and baking trays

12. Bake them into the oven at 200 degrees for about 15 minutes till golden brown

Caramelized Walnuts

13. In a pan, dry roast the chopped walnuts for 3-4 mins

14. Add brown sugar to the pan and heat while stirring for 2-3 mins

15. Top it with caramelized walnuts and serve hot and crispy !! Drooooool