Ingredients:
2¾ c. all-purpose flour
¼ c. sugar
2 tbsp. butter
1 egg
1 package instant (quick rise) yeast (or 2¼ tsp.)
½ c. water
¼ c. whole milk
1 tsp. salt
Filling:
⅔ c. brown sugar
¼ c. (½ stick) butter, room temperature
1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
¾ tsp. vanilla extract
¼ tsp. almond extract
Vanilla glaze:
1½ c. powdered sugar
¼ c. (½ stick) butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp. milk
Directions:
1 – In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast and salt.
2 – In a small microwave safe bowl (or glass measuring cup), combine the sugar, butter, water and milk. Heat in the microwave until the mixture is hot and the butter is almost melted (it took about 1 minute 30 seconds on HIGH in my microwave). Gradually add the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Add the egg and mix until a soft and sticky dough forms.
3 – Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
4 – If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook and set on the lowest mixing setting for 4 minutes or until the dough becomes elastic or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 3-4 minutes. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and allow it to rest on the counter for 5 minutes.
5 – Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it measures a 16×9 inch rectangle. Prepare the filling by combining all of the ingredients in a small mixing bowl except for the butter. Spread the butter over the top of the rolled dough, then cover with the filling. Tightly roll the dough and cut into 12 portions. I like to use dental floss for this… I also cut it in half, then fourths etc. That way my pieces are all uniform in size (you may have a few smaller pieces from the ends, just arrange them around the larger rolls).
6 – Place the rolls into a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish and gently press a piece of aluminum foil over top. Turn OFF your oven and place the covered rolls inside to rise for 25 minutes.
7 – Remove the rolls from the oven and turn ON your oven to 375 degrees. Once heated, remove the foil and bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes or until the centers are lightly golden brown in color.
8 – Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before frosting. While rolls are cooling, prepare the frosting by combining all of the ingredients in a small mixing bowl and beating by hand or with a hand mixer until smooth. Spread over the tops of the rolls.
I always add a “hint” of almond extract to the filling… it’s just how my mom always made her filling. Feel free to use only vanilla extract, or only almond extract.
If you live in a dry place or have trouble with baked goods drying out quickly, you may want to fill a separate 9×13 inch baking dish with boiling water and put in on the lowest rack in your oven right before you proof the rolls (place them in the warm oven to rise). This will ensure that the rolls stay moist and elastic. You will keep the water in the oven until they are baked.
A few tips and tricks…
Almond extract is the secret ingredient that will elevate the taste as you take the first bite leaving you craving for one after another. However, this not mandatory, you are free to use vanilla extract due to unavailability or disliking the flavor.
If you live in a dry region, it is a good idea to prepare a little to avoid your food from drying out. Fill you’re a baking dish with boiling water and place it in the bottom-most rack of the oven just before you place them in the warm oven to rise until the rolls are done. As a result your cinnamon rolls will have the perfect dense and elastic texture.
Make sure to use butter at room temperature and DO NOT heat or melt it. Melted butter will flow out from the rolls, while softened butter at room temperature will stick to the dough and hold on to the other ingredients in the filling.
Maintain your weight loss journey
Treat yourself with this cinnamon delight without any fear of gaining extra pounds. Yes!! You heard it right; you can now satisfy your dessert cravings without breaking your keto diet. We are highlighting a few substitutes ingredient just for you. Instead of brown sugar, use Lakanto Golden or Stevia as they are keto-friendly sweeteners. All-purpose flour can be replaced by coconut or almond flour. However, be cautious of your portion size and enjoy your low carb and calorie cinnamon rolls!
Give your family a sweet surprise by baking the most flavorful cinnamon rolls using this recipe. Every bite of this divine dessert is worth the effort and times that goes into preparing it. There is nothing more heavenly than the feeling of moist cinnamon roll melting inside your mouth. We recommend you enjoy it while it’s still warm to let the flavor sink into your taste buds.
Stay tuned if you love to experiment in cooking, as we will roll out new fun and easy baking recipes! Don’t forget to share your experiences with us!