CINNAMON ROLLS

Recipes by Nelisiwe Mahlangu

For the dough

• ¼ cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon yeast
• ¾ cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 100g melted butter
• 4 cups flour

For the filling

• 84g butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

For the cream cheese frosting

• 57g butter (softened)
• 85g cream cheese (softened)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup icing sugar

Method

1. To make the dough, whisk together the water, yeast and ½ teaspoon of sugar in a jug, then set aside to foam up for about 10-15 minutes.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the milk, eggs, 100g brown sugar, salt, vanilla and butter until well combined.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the milk mixture and stir through. Add flour to a large bowl and mix everything through. Your dough should not be sticky but not dry either.
4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth, then place in a greased bowl and loosely cover with clingwrap or kitchen towel. Place in a warm area and allow to rise for 2 hours.
5. Meanwhile, combine the filling ingredients (butter, sugar and cinnamon) in a bowl.
6. Once the dough has risen, roll it out onto a floured surface. Rub the softened butter for the filling over the dough and spread it over the dough.
7. Roll up the dough from top to bottom. Cut into large equal pieces, or smaller pieces if you prefer and place them onto a greased baking tray.
8. Allow them to rest for 1 hour then bake at 190°C for 20-25 minutes.
9. While the buns are baking, make the frosting. Whisk together all the ingredients until smooth. Remove the buns from oven and pour over the frosting while the buns are still warm.
10. Serve and enjoy!