Celebrate National Cinnamon Roll Day with a Sweet, Homemade Treat!
Hello, friends! Welcome back to Good Thyme Gal, where today we’re celebrating something extra sweet—National Cinnamon Roll Day! Every year on October 4th, cinnamon roll lovers unite to celebrate this classic, gooey, cinnamon-swirled pastry that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a special dessert.
There’s something so comforting about the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen—whether it’s the warm spices, the soft dough, or the sweet drizzle of icing on top, cinnamon rolls are the ultimate indulgence. And the best part? You don’t need to head to a bakery to enjoy them. Making homemade cinnamon rolls is easier than you might think, and they taste even better fresh from the oven.
So, in honor of National Cinnamon Roll Day, I’m sharing a foolproof recipe that will help you whip up your own batch of these sweet, cinnamon-y delights. Whether you’re celebrating with family or treating yourself, this recipe will make your day a little sweeter.
A Little History Behind Cinnamon Rolls
Did you know that cinnamon rolls have a long history? While these sweet treats are beloved in many countries, they’re especially popular in Sweden, where they’re called “kanelbullar.” In fact, National Cinnamon Roll Day originally started in Sweden, where it’s known as “Kanelbullens Dag.” This holiday has been celebrated since 1999, and it’s a day dedicated to enjoying warm, spiced cinnamon rolls with a cup of coffee or tea.
Here in the U.S., cinnamon rolls are a favorite comfort food, especially during the fall and winter months. There’s something about the warm spices and fluffy dough that just feels right when the weather gets cooler, making October the perfect time to indulge!
How to Celebrate National Cinnamon Roll Day
There are plenty of ways to celebrate this sweet holiday. You could head to your favorite local bakery, but I think making your own cinnamon rolls at home is the best way to truly enjoy the experience. It’s a great way to get creative in the kitchen, and nothing beats the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in the oven.
You can also personalize your rolls by adding fun toppings like cream cheese frosting, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save a few for breakfast the next day, these cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit.
Ready to make your own? Let’s get baking!
Classic Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
This recipe makes soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling and a simple vanilla glaze. They’re perfect for a cozy morning treat or a delicious dessert.
Ingredients
For the dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Cooking Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, water, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is bubbly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle, about 15x9 inches.
4. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
6. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up.
7.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
8. While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to make the glaze. If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk.
9. Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate cinnamon roll experience!
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
Make ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the rolls the night before. Let them rise, then cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, take them out, let them come to room temperature, and bake.
Filling variations: Add chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra flavor and texture.
Freezing leftovers: If you somehow end up with leftover cinnamon rolls, you can freeze them! Just pop them in the microwave for a quick treat whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Time to Get Rolling!
National Cinnamon Roll Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in these soft, gooey, cinnamon-swirled treats. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or share them with friends and family, cinnamon rolls are always a good idea. Plus, this homemade version is easier than you think—and trust me, once you try them, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
If you give this recipe a try, be sure to share your cinnamon roll creations with me on Instagram using #GoodThymeGal. I can’t wait to see how your rolls turn out!
Until next time, happy baking and happy National Cinnamon Roll Day!
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