Smoky Cinnamon Rolls

Santa is bored of milk and cookies. Give him a nice, soft and sweet cinnamon bun instead. They’re also the perfect way to start your Christmas morning. Did we mention they’re smoky?!
Difficulty:
3/5
Prep time:
20 min
Cook time:
30-40 min
Serves:
4

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) water
  • Pinch of salt

FOR THE FILLING

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 – 2 tablespoons cinnamon (to taste)

FOR THE ICING

  • 2 cups icing sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 – 4 tablespoons milk

DIRECTIONS

  1. Mix yeast with a few tablespoons of body-temperature water. To get the perfect temperature feel water with your wrist until it feels neither hot not cold. Let stand for 5 minutes.
  2. Mix in milk, flour, and most of the water.
  3. Mix dough by hand or with a dough hook, adding more water if necessary, until dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Form dough into balls (about 100g each) and let proof until dough has doubled in size (about 30 minutes)
  5. For the filling, incorporate sugar with cinnamon and melted butter.
  6. Roll out dough into long strips about 6cm wide and spear filling evenly on one side before rolling dough into shape.
  7. Smoke at 325F (162C) for 30 – 40 minutes.
  8. For icing, incorporate icing sugar with vanilla and milk, starting with 3 tablespoons of milk and adding more until a thick but smooth consistency is reached.
  9. Ice cinnamon buns while still warm and serve.