Irresistible Raisin Cinnamon Rolls: A Baking Adventure - VLOGMAS DAY 6

This delicious raicim and cinnamon filled bread will make your breakfast that much more special. Totally fluffy on the inside while crunchy at the top, a perfect recipe for my day 6 of #VLOGMAS2021! If you're a fan of sweet, indulgent treats that fill your home with the warm aroma of freshly baked goods, then you're in for a delightful ride. Today, we're diving into the world of homemade Raisin Cinnamon Rolls. This recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels and promises a heavenly blend of cinnamon-spiced swirls, plump raisins, and a sweet glaze that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these rolls are bound to become a family favorite.

Who Are These Raisin Cinnamon Rolls For?

These delectable Raisin Cinnamon Rolls are for anyone who appreciates the comfort of a freshly baked pastry. Whether you're looking for a sweet treat to accompany your morning coffee or a delightful dessert to impress your guests, these rolls fit the bill perfectly. With a rich, buttery dough, aromatic cinnamon, and plump raisins, they cater to those with a sweet tooth and a penchant for all things cozy.

Why They're Great

1. Homemade Goodness: There's something incredibly satisfying about creating these rolls from scratch. You'll not only enjoy the end result but also the process of kneading, rolling, and baking.
2. Versatility: While they're perfect for breakfast or brunch, these rolls can also be a lovely dessert or snack. You can even customize them with your favorite nuts or chocolate chips.
3. Family Bonding: Baking these rolls can be a wonderful family activity. Get your kids involved in rolling out the dough and sprinkling the filling. It's a fantastic way to spend quality time together.
4. Impress Your Guests: When you serve these freshly baked rolls to guests, they'll be impressed by your culinary prowess. These rolls look and taste like they come from a high-end bakery.

 INGREDIENTS

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 500g All-Purpose Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 7g Instant Dry Yeast (1 packet)
• 200ml Milk
• 50g Unsalted Butter
• 1 Egg

For the Filling

• 25g Unsalted Butter
• 50g Soft Brown Sugar
• 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Cup Raisins or Mixed Dried Fruits

For the Glaze

• 2 Tablespoons Milk
• 2 Tablespoons Caster Sugar

Equipment You'll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush
• Baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen towel
• Oven

Directions

Making the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk until it's warm but not hot, around 110°F (43°C). Stir in a pinch of sugar and then sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Kneading: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Rising: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Making the Filling

5. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Set it aside.
6. Roll It Out: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
7. Add the Filling: Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the raisins or dried fruits over the filling.
8. Roll It Up: Carefully roll the dough from the long side into a log, sealing the edge by pinching it. Slice the log into equal-sized rolls.

Baking

9. Preheat and Arrange: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
10. Second Rise: Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 15-20 minutes.
11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.

Glazing

12. Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the milk and caster sugar in a small saucepan. Heat until the sugar is dissolved, and then let it cool.
13. Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over them while they're still warm.

Serving and Storing

These Raisin Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they're warm and gooey. However, if you happen to have leftovers (which is a rare occurrence in my house), here's how to store them:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: If you have leftovers, warm them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their freshness.

Tips and Shortcuts

• Quick Rise: If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the dough rising process by placing it in a warm oven (turned off) with a bowl of hot water. This creates a cozy environment for the yeast to work its magic.
• Creative Fillings: Don't be afraid to get creative with the filling. Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel for a twist.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, refrigerate them separately, and assemble the rolls in the morning for a fresh, stress-free breakfast.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Raisin Cinnamon Rolls: Replace the milk, butter, and egg with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Raisin Cinnamon Rolls: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

Q1: Can I freeze the dough for later use?

A1: Absolutely! After the first rise, you can wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to a month. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and proceed with the recipe.

Q2: Can I use other dried fruits instead of raisins?

A2: Of course! Feel free to customize your rolls with