Description
Delight in these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls, a festive twist on classic cinnamon rolls inspired by the vibrant flavors of King Cake. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar, baked to golden perfection, then topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy brunch treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
Filling
- Softened butter (for spreading, quantity not specified, approx. 1/4 cup)
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture (using the 1 tbsp cinnamon and some sugar from the dough ingredients)
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp milk or cream
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast; let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Whisk in granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs into the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare Rolls: Roll out the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread softened butter evenly on the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter.
- Shape Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log, slice into 2-inch pieces, and place them into a greased baking dish or pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Make Glaze: While rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream together until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading is essential for gluten development to achieve tender, fluffy rolls.
- Letting the dough rise twice results in soft and airy cinnamon rolls.
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and dough texture.
- For a richer flavor, use cream instead of milk for the glaze.
- Roll sizes can be adjusted; larger rolls will require slightly longer baking time.
