Monday, November 30, 2009

Cinnamon Roll Success & New Traditions!

DSC02553 A month or two ago Coleen and Katy set out to help me conquer my fear of yeast and successfully bake cinnamon rolls for my children to have while opening presents on Christmas morning.  Well, they’ve done it!  I am no longer intimidated by yeast and with their “challenge” I’ve  learned a few things.  The first being,  it wasn’t the yeast that was scaring me.  It was the dough!  It was worrying about how much flour to add or not add. Trying to handle the sticky dough and rolling  it out as thin as the recipe required but no, more!  After making these butterhorns and this cinnamon roll recipe I’m comfortable with the (sticky) dough and am no longer concerned about mishandling it.    I also learned I’m much more proficient in the kitchen then I give myself credit and that I need to stop worrying and start baking! :)

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This recipe is from Coleen and she wasn’t lying when she said this cinnamon roll recipe was a “real gem”!  Bonus, no yeast involved with these, for those of you who are still yeast-a-phobes.

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The Twins LOVED these cinnamon rolls and they’ve already requested them twice since I first made them two weeks ago. They said  they didn’t want to wait until Christmas morning for me to make them again.  The only downside,  Monica was right and Babygirl (The picky pain, she knew I was excited about making these for them!) decided that she preferred this crescent roll version I found on another awesome blog called For the Love of Cooking.  I should have taken photos of the Twins’ astounded faces when Babygirl said she didn’t care for the homemade cinnamon rolls! 

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No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls

*FILLING, make it first! 
1½ tablespoons melted butter
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1½ teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon allspice (I left out)
¼ teaspoon ground cloves (I left out)
1 cup chopped pecans (I left out)

Combine all of the filling ingredients. Mix well and set aside.

*DOUGH
¾ cup small or large curd cottage cheese (4% milk fat)
1/3 cup buttermilk
¼ cup white sugar
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 TABLESPOON baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and grease the sides and bottom of a 9" or 10" springform pan with cooking spray. In a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, buttermilk, sugar, melted butter and vanilla; process until smooth about 10 seconds. Add the flour, baking powder & baking soda and pulse in short bursts just until the dough clumps together in a ball. Careful not to over-process. The dough will be soft and moist (& very possibly sticky.  Stay calm.  You’re okay.). Dump the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and knead it four or five times with floured hands (This is a beautiful dough, very easy to work with, Coleen’s words.  Breathe, you CAN do this!). Roll dough out to a 12" x 15" rectangle. (Don’t freak out if it isn’t quite rectangular and is more oval-ish or isn’t exactly 12”x15”! This is were I used to run scared if the dough’s stickiness didn’t get me! )

Brush the rectangle (oval-ish shape) with a very light coating of melted butter  & leave a half inch border unbuttered around the edges. (I had a hard time being skimpy with the melted butter.  I used it all.) Sprinkle the filling over the buttered area and pat lightly.

Starting with the long side, roll up the dough into a jelly roll shape and pinch the long seam to seal, leaving the ends open. Cut into twelve equal pieces with a sharp serrated knife. (Next time, I’ll try the dental floss trick.). Set the rolls in the prepared pan, cut side up (I was confused. Except for the two end pieces all the rolls had two cut sides!?). The rolls should touch slightly, but its OK if there are small gaps. Bake at 400 for 20 to 28 minutes or until golden brown. Watch closely at the 20 minute mark to ensure perfectly baked cinnamon rolls!

Set the pan on a cooling rack for five minutes. Make the glaze. Remove the springform ring and drizzle glaze over the rolls.


*GLAZE
2/3 cup powdered sugar (I whisked to break up any clumps)
2 to 3 tablespoons of cold milk (I used heavy whipping cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coleen added ½ teaspoon of maple extract

Whisk all ingredients together. If it seems too thick to pour, add a little bit more milk. (Next time I’ll leave the glaze thick because once it hits those hot cinnamon rolls it just about pours off.  If it’s a little thicker it might stay on a little better. And of course, feel free to totally tweak this or use a <YUM!> cream cheese glaze!)

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The last thing I learned was, homemade cinnamon rolls are waaaay better than store bought or those pop canned ones!  Thank you Katy and Coleen!  I really appreciate your help!

 

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This is my “traditions” entry for Bake at 350’s Flavor of the Month.

 

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And because this cinnamon roll recipe is starting a new family tradition for us, I’m sending it off to HoneyB’s Family Recipes Event!

 

 

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Last but not least….don’t forget to enter my Oh Nuts giveaway!  Click here for details on how to enter! Phew!  I don’t know about you but I thought that post would never end! :)

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86 comments:

Lisa said...

Ingrid, they turned out fabulous. Step aside Cinnabon! I can't believe there's no yeast in those..you would never know it by the crumb! Ack, whenever I visit your blog, I can feel virtaul fat building up on my butt :P

Shelby said...

I'm happy that you finally conquered your fear! I'm think it is awesome you have a new recipe to start a family tradition with. Thanks for the submission Ingrid!

Donna-FFW said...

Oh you did a most fabulous job!! I will have to try these. I usually make Pioneer womans, but these make loads less and sound easy. now.

Palidor said...

YUM! Those cinnamon rolls look phenomenal!

Lorie said...

I was thinking about doing cinnamon rolls for our Christmas morning, too. I'm finding it hard to believe there is no yeast in these. They look wonderful.

Amanda said...

Oh Ingrid, yum!!! These look wonderful. and congrats and conquering these, I will definitely have to give these a whirl!

cookies and cups said...

Those look yummy! I bet they are way better than the Grands canned ones that I currently serve my family...gasp! I will definitely give these a try!

bridget {bake at 350} said...

Oh, Ingrid! Those look amazing!!! If I could jump through the screen to have one, I would! Love your instructions, too! :)

grace said...

oh, mercy me, that pool of glaze is so enticing. i'll never, ever pass up a cinnamon roll. never.

Debbie said...

Ingrid, Congrats on conquering your fear of yeast! The rolls look fabulous and I definitely want to try them. My son and husband both love cinnamonn rolls and so do I!

April said...

Good Job!! These look so good!

Smitten Sugar said...

Ingrid, these turned out great! They look delicious and I wish I could eat one right now! I have been really wanting to try making cinnamon rolls from scratch but like you, I am a little intimidated. Maybe for the holidays Ill try these out. Thanks for sharing and how awesome to create a new tradition!

Laura said...

Oooh. I've got to try these. :)

Mimi said...

Ingrid,
Those cinnamon rolls are mouth watering. If only I had one. One of the nice things about your recipe is that it appears you can have fresh cinnamon rolls in under an hour, advanced planning necessary.
Mimi

oneordinaryday said...

You go, girl! LOL These look delicious and I'm bookmarking the recipe to give it a try myself. Thanks for all the extra encouragement too!

Mini Baker said...

i didn't eat breakfast, can you bring me one of these PLEASE?!!!
-Mini Baker :)

michellemabell said...

I also can't believe these don't have yeast!! They look gorgeous. Can't wait to try.

There is nothing like homemade cinnamon buns...just never new you could do it without yeast...:) Learn something new everyday!!!

have a great day!
michelle

Foodiewife said...

Every weekend I swear I am going to make cinnamon rolls. I so have to do this! I'm so proud of you for conquering your fear of yeast dough. It's not that hard, is it? I'm a a yeast dough kick, and am having fun learning how make breads and rolls. You should submit this to Yeastspotting! Seriously. Terrific job. I guess I'll have make my first cinnamon rolls and give them away, quick! That's what scares me...that I'll eat the whole pan!

teresa said...

oh wow, i really shouldn't be looking at these on an empty stomach because i want them so bad! they look delicious!

Dorothy said...

Gorgeous photos and great recipe! I bet the cottage cheese and buttermilk did wonders for the richness and tenderness of the dough! Yum! I don't make cinnamon rolls often enough...but now's a good time to start! :D

Faith said...

These look incredible! Cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning is a tradition at my parents' house...I'll be bringing these! :)

Miranda said...

These are look wonderful. Our family is a HUGE fan of cinnamon rolls. I made them very often. I just tried Peter Reinharts and they rocked!!!

Keeley said...

I conquered my fear of yeast after baking the yeast rolls on Monica's blog! Can you tell that I'm proud?! I'd like to try those cinnamon rolls that your kids love so much.

Monica H said...

I just read through the comments and it appears that you have encouraged, or rather, inspired so many others to make cinnamon rolls to by y our pictures and your words- I love it!

Your rolls turned out wonderfully and now I want to go make them even if it is 2:27 on a Tuesday afternoon :-)

Great job Ingrid. You know what that means though, right? Now you have to step up to yeast cinnamon rolls- yeah!

Heidi said...

Your rolls are making me drool!!

Jade said...

I tried cinnamon rolls once and they didn't turn out great so I have been scared to try it again. I will have to give them a shot again soon! These look so good!!

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Those cinnamon rolls look fantastic!

Cheers,

Rosa

Katy ~ said...

I don't think I have ever seen a more beautiful pan of cinnamon rolls. Ingrid, these came out BEAUTIFULLY!!! I am so thrilled for you. If I were in your kitchen, I'd dance around the kitchen with you in sheer delight and pride for you. Guess I guess have to dance in my little computer room and scare the cats LOL!!! Well done, my friend. I couldn't be prouder for you.

velva said...

I am scared stiff of working with dough! You inspire me. Your cinnamon buns look fabulous. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Abby said...

I'm afraid of the yeast AND the dough. There is no hope for me.

Can you just ship me a cinnamon roll up here to N.C.?

Lori said...

Earlier this evening I was looking for that recipe I promised you. I hate when that happens. Meanwhile here you are making more rolls. You go.

No yeast, huh? Very interesting.

Julie said...

Mmm...I can just about smell them through the screen! Yum :)

Jaime said...

great recipe! i love that it is yeast free and quick. and you are definitely better in the kitchen than you give yourself credit for!

Heather S-G said...

Oh, they look awesome. I have such a weakness for cinnamon rolls...I'm drooling right now ;)

averagebetty said...

Saw these over at Grumpy's Honey Bunch! No yeast?!? This is a MUST try for Christmas... thanks, Ingrid!

hannah queen | honey & jam said...

Those look terrific!

becky said...

honestly... there is nothing better then cinnamon rolls... the smell as they are baking is just intoxicating... these look awesome!

The Blonde Duck said...

Are those really fluffy? I'm looking for a fluffier cinnamon roll recipe than my current one...

Mona said...

Wow those looooooook incredible. Gosh wow I want one!

Bunny said...

Oh my word Ingrid they look fantastic! I'm so glad you feel comfortable with yeast now, it's gonna be like a whole new world opened up for you! You're awesome!!!

Kerstin said...

Mmm, I would love to wake up to one of those! I'm impressed, they look perfect!

Pam said...

I can't believe babygirl would prefer the crescent rolls over these beauties! Thanks for the shout out and link back to my site.

My daughter is having a slumber/b-day party this weekend - I may just make these cinnamon rolls for breakfast.

Lynn said...

Yum yum yum. These look stupendous.

Robin said...

A food processor and cottage cheese, these do sound amazing. You go girl! I have a kid or two (or husband) that prefers store bought too. It kills me!

Laura said...

Droooooooooooool. Thanks for submitting!

Jelli said...

Yum! I have a very special place in my heart for cinnamon rolls. Looks like you've found another perfect little shortcut. Great pictures!

A_and_N said...

I like the idea of 'instant' cinnamon rolls! I'd probably go a little easy on the icing as I like the cinnamon flavor :)

Leslie said...

food porn at it best!
I love the no yeast!!!

Elle Bee said...

Nice job Ingrid! These look utterly fantastic! Sooooo goooey and delicious! What a wonderful tradition to begin. As always, thanks for sharing the recipe.

lisa @ dandysugar said...

These rolls look AMAZING! Just looking at your photos is making me drool. What a perfect tradition! I'm bookmarking these.

Keeping up with the Freitas' said...

Ingrid - These look amazing! We have cinnamon rolls every Sunday but stick to the Pilsbury reduced fat ones... I'd love to try this recipe for a splurge. And cottage cheese?! That got my attention!

Reeni said...

What a scrumptious treat! I made Alton Brown's cinnamon rolls and I wasn't crazy about them like I wanted to be. I'll have to give these a try next time.

Maria said...

Homemade is the only way to go! Yours look fantastic!

Molly Jean said...

I've never been able to master cinnamon rolls... but they're one of my favorites! Maybe I will muster up the courage again soon :)

Amy J in SC said...

Ooooh, can't wait to try these without the yeast!

kellypea said...

No yeast? How cool is that??? They look fabulous! Congrats for overcoming your fear of dough. There's no stopping you now, I'd guess. Here's to a new family tradition ; )

Miss Dot said...

Oh WOW, those cinnamon rolls look fantastic! You're definitely giving Cinnabon a run for its money! Ugh I'd be licking the glaze off those in a heartbeat!

Glad you got over your fear of yeast. Maybe I'll be right there with you some day!

Unknown said...

These rolls look delicious! Wish I had a few!!

Teanna said...

Thanks for the emphasis on Tablespoon for the baking powder because I totally would have missed that! hahah! These are AWESOME and you really kicked that dough in the butt! Gorgeous job!

Clumbsy Cookie said...

Lovely rolls! Love the amount of icing! And they sound really easy too!

Anonymous said...

mmmm drooling - they look so good!

Lot-O-Choc said...

Im glad these turned out well :D they look delicious, ive been wanting to make cinnamon rolls for ages ive never even tried one before!

Ann said...

These look mouthwatering, YUM!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful work Ingrid !...I agree..and personally think you are such an expert...you really ought to give your self more credit as i think your work is incredible...and proves you are very talented. Katy and Coleen have changed my Yeast baking world too btw... they will be blessed !

ErinsFoodFiles said...

Oh wow! Those look good!

Deborah said...

You look like a cinnamon roll expert! Your rolls look delicious.

Alicia (Bakeaholic) said...

I have been wanting to make cinnamon buns forever!!! I think i find it intimidating how long it takes to make them! but this no yeast thing may be the trick!

teresa said...

ingrid, i know you're a big reader, i'm wondering if you're on goodreads.com. it's a website for readers where you review the books you've read. i really like it because i get so many good recommendations. if you are, look me up, Teresa Green!

tobias cooks! said...

I love the no yeast bit. Great recipe.

Pumpkin said...

I have a lovely cinnamon roll recipe, but what I like about this one is that with the no-yeast, it's so much faster! In the time it takes mine to rise, I could already be eating yours! Haha!

Emily said...

I looove cinnamon rolls. These look so good! I can't believe they don't have yeast in them!

Jo said...

Ingrid, what can I say .. these look so, so yummilicious. Love how the rolls are smothered with the icing - truly beautiful. You really did good girl!

Judy said...

Your rolls look fantastic. I love working with yeast dough because it's very hard to overhandle it.

Dandy said...

I'm terrified of yeast... this is awesome!

Anonymous said...

Almond nougat is a type of candy - I just purchase mine but you can make it home (of course), you just need a candy thermometer.

The Blonde Duck said...

I hope you're having a good December!

Jana said...

INGRIIIIIIIDDDD, thanks for checking on me I just got internet today! YAY....I ywill have updates and pics up asap....those cinnamon rolls look amazing, I have so much to catch up on! YIPES! hope your baking yourself into a corner...and then eating yourself out this holiday season, I know I am!

Robin said...

Thinking of you, hope all is well!

Paris Pastry said...

The first time I made cinnamon rolls from scratch, the idea of using yeast scared me too! But the end result was so amazing! Since then, I've been making them from scratch all the time.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous cinnamon rolls!

Jana said...

Holy muffin tops you get alot of comments on here! I am afraid of yeast too!! its why I only make bread with my bread machine, then I have something else to blame it on if it doesnt work out...I cant wait to try your cinn rolls woman! I totally missed you, every once in awhile I would say "*sigh* I wonder what Ingrid is making ugh" seriously, and John totally knew who I was talking about =D

Robin said...

Ingrid, Thanks for asking about the book. Well like you one of my dreams is to be the best mom so all those other little dreams are on the back burner. Blogging fulfills my dream of writing, so baby steps are good right now. Wow that is alot of baseball going on at your house! But they so love it and we are several weeks away from our baseball season starting again, so back in the van I go! We should start a blog called, "Cooking from the Trunk"!

gaga said...

Wow, you did a fantastic job with those. They are definitely drool-worthy :)

sanjeet said...

I will have to try these. I usually make Pioneer womans, but these make loads less and sound easy.
Work from home India

Brianna said...

INGRID!!! Oh how I've missed you! I've been MIA for a moment, but I'm back now & these cinnamon rolls are 1st on my list!! I hope you and the fam are doing well!!

Peggy Clyde said...

Such good looking cinnamon rolls. I love them. Thanks.