The kitchen will have a sweet smell today as the cinnamon bakes.  Nothing makes Sawyer smile bigger than gooey sugar goodness that we dripped all over the rolls.  This lesson is two fold because we start with making the dough for the cinnamon rolls then make the cinnamon rolls.  

Follow along below.

Homemade Dough Bread

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time:  80 mins

Ingredients:

• 1  1/2 cups butter

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg

• 2 Tablespoons Milk

• 1 Teaspoon vanilla

• 1/2 Teaspoon Almond Extract

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

STEP ONE:

First step is proofing the yeast.  Add the yeast and sugar to warm water and whisk until dissolved.  Let it sit for approximately 5 minutes, or until tiny bubbles appear on the surface.

STEP TWO:

Whisk in the salt, and then add the flour, 1 cup at a time.  Make sure to mix each time you add a cup.

STEP THREE:

Start mixing the dough with your hands.  Dive in and get sticky!  You should be able to make a sticky ball.

STEP FOUR:

Sprinkle the counter with flour and place down the dough.  Knead it until it is smooth and elastic. This can take a couple of minutes.  

STEP FIVE:

Grease down a bowl with olive oil and place your dough ball, turning to coat in oil.  Let the dough rise to room temperature for about 1 to 2 hours.

While we were waiting for the dough to rise we went on an adventure in the backyard to enjoy the small snow fall.  We made a pretend campsite with fire and all!  What can you do with the kids while you wait?  Plan ahead!

STEP SIX:

Take a punch at the big puffy dough! This is where the giggles begin.  Then take it out of the bowl and knead it for a couple for minutes to remove any air bubbles.  The dough is now ready for the Cinnamon Rolls.

SWEET CINNAMON ROLLS

Prep Time: 80 mins (making dough bread)

Total Time: 65-70 mins

Ingredients:

• 1/2 dough bread

• 1-2 tablespoons butter (softened)

• 1/4 cup of brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon of raisins

• 1 Teaspoon of cinnamon

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES

STEP ONE:

Push the dough bread into a rectangle.  This will be difficult so don't stress out about the shape or how big it is!  Spread the softened butter on the dough.

STEP TWO:

Mix the brown sugar, raisins, and cinnamon in a small bowl.  (You can leave the raisins out depending on the child.  We left them out this round.) After you mix it together sprinkle the mixture onto the buttered dough bread.

STEP THREE:

Taking the dough bread the long side, begin rolling it up.  The smaller children may need some assistance to roll completely up.  Pinch the edge to seal. 

STEP FOUR:

Slice your new long log into 1 inch thick pieces.  We have a fantastic kids knife that is plastic but sharp enough to get through the dough.  Let them have a try, but please use your discretion on the capability of your own child.  Safety is always the number one priority in the kitchen!

STEP FIVE:

Place your rolls on a baking sheet either lined with parchment paper or spray it.  Cover the rolls with plastic wrap, and let rise for approximately 30 minutes.

STEP SIX:

When they are ready place them in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until lightly brown.

STEP SEVEN:

While your rolls are cooking mix up the sweet glaze. It is the same glaze from the Sugar Cookies.  

In a bowl mix place 1 cup of confectioners sugar and stir in 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until the mixture is thick but spreadable. There will be no need to use more than 2 tablespoons of milk.

STEP EIGHT:

Take the fresh cinnamon rolls out of the oven.  Transfer the cinnamon rolls on a cooling rack and drizzle the delicious glaze over each roll.  

We decided to keep the rolls on the baking sheet so don't fret if you don't have a cooking rack or don't have room.

STEP NINE:

Plate up your fresh, warm, delicious cinnamon rolls and serve to family or friends!