Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Based on NeemTime research
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – 1,020 calories
1/4 cup granulated sugar – 200 calories
1/2 teaspoon salt – negligible calories
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast – 21 calories
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C) – 105 calories
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – 400 calories
1 large egg – 70 calories
For the Cinnamon Filling:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – 400 calories
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed) – 430 calories
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – negligible calories
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – negligible calories
For the Icing:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened – 400 calories
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – 400 calories
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar – 600 calories
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 6 calories
Total Calories for the Entire Batch:
3,651 calories for the entire recipe (including icing)
Calories per serving (for 4 servings): Approximately 913 calories per cinnamon roll
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast
Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C) and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Sprinkle the 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy and activated. (105 calories from milk, 200 calories from sugar, and 21 calories from yeast)
2. Make the Dough
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. (1,020 calories from flour)
Add Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with 1/4 cup softened butter and 1 large egg. Mix until the dough begins to form. (400 calories from butter, 70 calories from egg)
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed. (This step doesn’t add extra calories, but some flour may be absorbed.)
3. Let the Dough Rise
First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size. (No calories added in this step.)
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
Make Cinnamon Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling by combining 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg in a small bowl. Stir until fully mixed and smooth. (400 calories from butter, 430 calories from brown sugar)
5. Roll Out the Dough
Roll Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×9-inch rectangle. (This step doesn’t add calories, though flour may be used.)
6. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls
Spread Filling: Spread the prepared cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on all sides. (No calories added in this step, as filling was prepared earlier.)
Roll the Dough: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it. Slice the log into 8 even pieces. (This step doesn’t add calories.)
7. Second Rise
Place Rolls in Pan: Grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish. Place the cinnamon rolls in the pan, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover the pan with a cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up. (No calories added in this step.)
8. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. (No calories added in this step.)
9. Prepare the Icing
Make Icing: While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by beating 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. (400 calories from cream cheese, 400 calories from butter, 600 calories from powdered sugar, and 6 calories from vanilla)
10. Frost the Cinnamon Rolls
Frost Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese icing generously over the top. (Total icing calories: 1,406)
Total Calories Per Cinnamon Roll:
Total Calories for the Entire Batch: 3,651 calories (including icing)
Calories per Serving (for 4 servings): Approximately 913 calories per cinnamon roll
These homemade Cinnamon Rolls are soft, sweet, and filled with a warm cinnamon filling, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a breakfast treat or a special dessert!