Cinnamon Rolls | Recipe

I don't think anything encapsulates the smell of Christmas quite like cinnamon, which is why I've got a very easy recipe here for cinnamon rolls! Baking during Christmas is one of my favourite activities and making cinnamon rolls is one of the things I look forward to because having one of these in the morning with a cup of tea is seriously one of the best things ever, especially during winter because they just seem to taste even more special!

Here's the recipe!

FOR THE DOUGH:
- 600g strong white flour

- 1 packet fast active dried yeast

- 100g caster sugar

- 275ml milk

- 1tsp salt

- 1 medium egg

- 50g unsalted melted butter

FOR THE FILLING:

- 40g soft unsalted butter

- 60g caster sugar

- 2tbsp ground cinnamon

- (optional) 30g desiccated coconut

So to start off, we need to make the dough! Sift the flour into a large bowl and stir through the yeast, salt and sugar. Heat the milk until it's just warm and add that into the flour along with the egg and butter. Mix it until it's a soft but not sticky dough.

Next, scrape it out onto a floured surface and knead it for 5 minutes. Transfer it to a large greased bowl and leave it to rise in a warm place for an hour and a half.

When it's risen, knead it again to burst the air bubbles then return it to rise for a further 30 minutes.

Now, line your baking tray with grease-proof paper. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the dough into a large rectangle, not too thin. Spread the soft butter into the dough, followed by the cinnamon and sugar. Make sure everything is nice and evenly distributed. If you want to add the coconut (I mean, why wouldn't you!?), then this is the time to add it to the dough. If you want an extra coconut-y flavour then I would recommend toasting it in a dry pan for a few minutes.

Roll the dough into a long sausage shape, keeping it as tight as possible. Trim the ends off and cut the remaining dough in 1 inch slices and put them on the baking sheet, leaving some room between them because we're gonna be leaving them to rise for a final time! Leave them in a warm place for another 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C for fan) or gas mark 5. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes until they're lovely and golden.

If you want to make icing to go on top (I know Americans love this), then go ahead and use your favourite icing recipe but for me and my family, the buns are perfect as they are. Serve them warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

I love this recipe because it's so straightforward and makes a delicious treat that is perfect for Christmas. You can always adjust the fillings to suit you and your family but for me, this is what makes a perfect cinnamon roll!