Amish Cinnamon

Traditional Amish Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Amish Cinnamon Rolls are a beloved treat known for their soft, fluffy texture and delightful cinnamon-sugar filling. This recipe captures the essence of this classic comfort food, ensuring your rolls come out perfect every time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these delicious rolls from scratch, complete with a rich glaze to top them off.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for activating the yeast, which helps the dough rise.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture and the eggs, mixing well. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and forms a soft, slightly sticky ball.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). The mixture should be spreadable but not too runny.

3. Shape the Rolls:

1. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches.
2. Apply the Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll and Slice: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal. Cut the log into 12-15 slices, depending on your preferred roll size.

4. Bake the Rolls:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare for Baking: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Leave some space between them to allow for expansion.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.

5. Glaze the Rolls:

1. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over them.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the rolls warm for the best experience. They are perfect as a breakfast treat or a sweet snack any time of day.

These Amish Cinnamon Rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household, offering a taste of homemade goodness with every bite. Enjoy the comforting aroma and the deliciously sweet and spicy flavor of these classic rolls!