Cinnamon Rolls

The first cinnamon roll was baked in Sweden where Oct. 4 is known as National Cinnamon Bun Day. There cinnamon rolls are social institutions that should not be missed, according to communityofsweden.com. They are commonly enjoyed during FIKA, a get-together with friends. Cinnamon rolls in Sweden are not as sweet and heavy as they are in the United States. In Sweden, the dough contains a hint of cardamom, a spice in the ginger family, and they are baked in muffin wrappers to make a more delicate treat

Cinnamon rolls are a popular breakfast food in the United States. Philadelphia-style cinnamon rolls date back to the 18th century. It contains honey, sugar, cinnamon and raisins. Although they are popular all over America, according to foodtimeline.org, they are often associated with Philadelphia and a coffee shop counter lined with sticky buns is still common in this city.

Ingredients

    For the dough:
1 packet dry yeast
1 cup warm water (100F-110F)
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup buttermilk
3 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. unsalted butter room temp
5 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
    For the filling:
3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup cinnamon.
For the icing:
8 oz. cream cheese softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
1 tsp orange zest, minced. optional

Instructions

1.  For this recipe you really need a Kitchen Aid Mixer. Proof the yeast for the dough in warm water in the mixer bowl for 5 min, or until foamy and bubbly. Warm the milk to 100F in a saucepan. Add warmed milk, buttermilk, 3Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp butter, 3 1/2 cups flour and salt to the proofed yeast.

2. With a paddle attachment mix on low speed until combined, then increase speed to high beat for 2 more min. Switch to the dough hook and add the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour. Mix on low speed until incorporated, then increase speed to medium. Mix for 5-7 min or until dough pulls away for from the sides.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic. Put the oven on 350F and put the bowl with the dough on top of the stove, the heat underneath the bowl from the oven will make the dough rise.
4. Once the dough has risen, hook your fingers under the edges to release the dough from the bowl. Flour the counter and sprinkle flour on the dough. Press to release the air bubbles. Divide the dough in half.
5. Soften 3/4 cups butter in the microwave for 30 sec. Use a hand mixer to blend in the sugar and cinnamon, set aside. Spread half of the filling onto the dough. Roll the dough jelly roll style into a log. Cut the logs with Dental floss. Put them in the pans and let them rise again. Bake the rolls for 25 min or browned in a 350 F preheated oven. Cool the rolls for 10 min.

6. Frost with cream cheese icing.
7. Cream Cheese Icing: Beat together 8 oz cream cheese softened, 1 1/2 cups powder sugar 1/4 cup heavy cream, optional 1 tsp orange zest minced. Beat all ingredients together with a hand mixer until combined. Top warm rolls with the icing.