Caramel Cinnamon Rolls

There is nothing better than a freshly baked cinnamon roll. Except for maybe a homemade, freshly baked cinnamon roll!
When I was young, my Mom used to buy the Pillsbury Cinnamon Bun package, where you would simply pull them apart and bake them. While the years have passed, I have continued to crave cinnamon rolls on weekend mornings. But, now I don't have to only imagine them, because I have this scrumptious recipe!

Cinnamon Rolls

Makes 12-14 rolls

Dough

2 cups                  a.p flour
2 tbsp                   dry yeast
3 tbsp                   sugar
1/4 tsp                  salt
1 cup                    water
2 tbsp                   butter
2 tbsp                   vegetable oil

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the flour, yeast, sugar and salt. On low heat, combine butter, water and oil, stir until butter is melted. Pour butter mixture into flour mixture, use a beater and beat on low for 1 minute. Add another 1/2 cup of flour. Beta for another minute and add the remaining flour. On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it comes together in a ball. Place dough in a bowl and cover, let it rest for 10 minutes.

Caramel Sauce:

1/4 cup                brown sugar
1/4 cup                butter
1/4 cup                corn syrup

Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan. Stir over low heat until butter has melted. Stir until smooth. Pour into the bottom of your large skillet or two small cake pans.

Filling

1/2 cup               brown sugar
1/4 cup               sugar
1 tsp                   cinnamon
1/4 cup               butter, melted

After the dough has rested, roll it out into approximately 12 x 5 square.  Brush the dough with the melted butter.  Sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar, cinnamon and white sugar. Starting at the longest side, roll dough into a log, pinching the ends to seal and cut into 12 equal slices. Place rolls into your skillet or cake pans. Cover with cloth and let them rise for 45 minutes. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Icing

2 tbsp                butter, melted
1 tsp                  vanilla
1 cup                 icing sugar
2 tbsp                milk

Combine all ingredients. With a spoon mix until smooth. Drizzle over the top of your cinnamon rolls. Enjoy!

While these Cinnamon Rolls may take a long time to make, they are certainly worth the wait. They are soft with a slightly chewy caramel bottom. Though one thing is for sure, that these will certainly make your house smell wonderful!

Elanne Boake