Description
Delight in these soft and fragrant Maple Cinnamon Rolls, packed with warm cinnamon and sweet maple syrup flavor. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or special brunch, these rolls have a tender dough enriched with butter and a luscious maple glaze on top.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter (use part of the ½ cup melted butter or add fresh as preferred)
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or milk (optional for desired glaze consistency)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F) with the active dry yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed before combining with the yeast mixture.
- Form Dough: Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the yeast mixture while stirring to form a dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly tacky to the touch, developing gluten for structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size, which creates a light airy texture.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and pure maple syrup until well combined to form a sweet, gooey cinnamon-maple filling.
- Shape Rolls: Roll out the risen dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, ensuring full coverage for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 12 equal-sized pieces to create individual cinnamon rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them for expansion. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, with a soft, tender crumb inside.
- Make Glaze and Serve: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (or enough milk to reach desired consistency) to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar in the dough for extra moisture and flavor.
- For a richer filling, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves along with the cinnamon.
- Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
- For a vegan version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use maple syrup instead of honey if used.