How to make homemade cinnamon rolls (Video)

As I was growing up, we spent a lot of time eating in my aunt and uncle's restaurant, and I can remember eyeing the homemade cinnamon rolls that used to sit in the cook's window. Rich, sweet frosting drizzled down the side and practically turned transparent when the rolls were heated and sent to our table with a giant dollop of whipped butter on top. They tasted so delightful and seemed so magical with their snail shell twists that as I got older, I often wondered how to make homemade cinnamon rolls like those.

Despite them being one of my favorite comfort foods, it was only recently that I've been brave enough to find out. Truthfully, with my schedule I tend toward easy breakfast foods, so my version of homemade cinnamon roll recipes usually involved a can with the Pillsburry Dough Boy on it.

However, now that I have my new place, I have been look for some fun breakfast ideas to try on the weekends. I stumbled upon this recipe for cinnamon rolls, and what a treat! It's a roll-up-your-sleeves kind of recipe that really coats your arms with flour as you work and fills your tummy with good things once you're done.

How to make homemade cinnamon rolls

Photo credit: 

NAPSI

Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch

Ingredients:

• 1 c. potatoes, mashed (takes about 2 medium-sized potatoes)
• 1 c. potato water (set aside)
• 2/3 c. margarine or butter
• 3/4 c. sugar
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 c. hot water
• 2 packets of active dry yeast
• 1/2 c. warm water
• 2 eggs
• 9 c. (approx.) of all-purpose flour

Filling for Cinnamon Rolls:

• 1/2 c. softened margarine or butter
• 1 c. sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon, ground

Icing for Cinnamon Rolls:

• 3 c. powdered sugar
• 6 Tbsp. softened margarine or butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 6 Tbps. (approx.) milk

Instructions:

1. Add the potato water, butter, potatoes, salt, hot water, and sugar to a mixing bowl.
2. Stir the mixture until the butter is melted. Set the bowl aside and allow the mixture to cool.
3. Add 1/2 cup of warm water and the yeast to a small bow, allowing the yeast/water mixture to sit for 5 minutes.
4. To the potato mixture add 2 cups of flour, the yeast mixture, and the eggs.
5. Beat the ingredients until they are well-mixed together.
6. Make a soft dough by adding 1 cup of flour at a time to the mixture. Continue to do this until the dough forms.
7. Flour a work surface, then knead the dough until it takes on an elastic texture and is smooth. This should take 5 or 6 minutes.
8. Grease a bowl and add the dough, turning the dough in the bowl until it becomes coated.
9. Cover the dough with a dish towel.
10. Put it in a warm area for an hour or so until it has doubled in size; make sure the area is free from drafts.
11. Punch the dough to reduce its size, then divide the cinnamon roll dough in half.
12. Use a rolling pin to roll one of the pieces of roll dough. Do this until you have a rectangular piece of dough that measure 12-inches by 18-inches.
13. Add butter to half of it.
14. Make a cinnamon and sugar mixture and then sprinkle it on the part that you buttered.
15. Roll it up longways, pinching off the edges.
16. Cut the rolled dough into 12 slices.
17. Grease a 13-inch by 9-inch pan and then place the rolls into it.
18. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
19. Cover the pan and let rise for 30 to 40 minutes until the rolls look twice their original size.
20. Put the rolls not the over and allow them to bake for 30 minutes.
21. Let them cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
22. Combine the icing ingredients together and drizzle it onto the rolls before serving.
23. Make the second portion of rolls using the steps above.

Tips:

1. Try this with a little whipped honey butter for an extra sweet treat!
2. Watch the video that accompanies this article to learn how to make a different cinnamon roll recipe. Yum!

Read other comfort food recipes by clicking on the links below:

• Ham, macaroni and cheese casserole: Easy baked recipe with mushroom soup
• Healthy macaroni and cheese recipe baked with Parmesan and spinach (Video)
• Baked potato bar ideas: Finding the right toppings for your spuds
• Spiced poached pears recipe with cinnamon sticks
• Delicious soup recipes: Italian sausage soup with pasta
• Delicious chocolate desserts: Easy chocolate mousse pie recipe with Kahlúa
• Recipes for leftover prime rib: 5 ideas for your Christmas leftovers (Video)
• Five Italian Christmas appetizers that are easy to make and yummy to eat (Video)
• Serving pie: Tips plus Christmas pie recipes, Paula Deen, Martha Stewart (Video)