Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, then you’ve come to the right place! Making cinnamon rolls in a cast iron skillet adds a deliciously rustic twist to this classic treat. The cast iron skillet helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the rolls soft and fluffy on the inside.
To start, gather all of the ingredients you’ll need: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and of course, cinnamon. You’ll also need a cast iron skillet, which adds a unique flavor and texture to the cinnamon rolls.
Begin by mixing together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. This includes the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step-by-Step Guide for Making Cinnamon Rolls in a Cast Iron Skillet
Making cinnamon rolls from scratch can seem like a daunting task, but with the right recipe and a trusty cast iron skillet, you’ll be able to create mouthwatering cinnamon rolls that will impress your family and friends. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making delicious cinnamon rolls using your cast iron skillet.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
To start, you’ll need to prepare the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and egg. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, then set it aside to rest for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is resting, it’s time to prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until well combined.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has rested, roll it out into a 12×9-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 4: Roll Up the Dough
Carefully roll up the dough starting from the long side, ensuring that the filling remains inside. Once rolled, pinch the edges to seal the roll.
Step 5: Slice the Roll
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the roll into 1-inch thick slices. Place the slices in a greased cast iron skillet, making sure to leave some space between each slice.
Step 6: Let It Rise
Cover the cast iron skillet with a clean kitchen towel and let the cinnamon rolls rise for about 1 hour or until they have doubled in size. This will allow the rolls to become light and fluffy.
Step 7: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the cinnamon rolls have doubled in size, remove the towel and bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 8: Glaze the Cinnamon Rolls
While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over the top while they are still warm.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before serving. Once they are at a comfortable temperature, serve and enjoy these delectable treats with a cup of coffee or tea.
Now that you have this thorough step-by-step guide, you can confidently make cinnamon rolls in a cast iron skillet. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to delight your taste buds with homemade cinnamon rolls.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make delicious cinnamon rolls in a cast iron skillet, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 and 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons of instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before starting the cinnamon roll making process.
Prepare the Dough
To make the dough for cinnamon rolls, begin by combining the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together warm milk and yeast, allowing it to sit for a few minutes until frothy.
Next, in a separate bowl, beat together softened butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture, along with beaten eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Add the flour to the wet ingredients, a little at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms. Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free location for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This will allow the yeast to activate and give the dough a light and airy texture.
While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling by combining melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles, and then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, creating a log shape.
Using a sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 1 1/2 inch thick slices. Place the slices cut-side up in a greased cast iron skillet, leaving a little bit of space between each one to allow for rising.
Cover the skillet with a clean kitchen towel and let the cinnamon rolls rise for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size and are touching each other.
At this point, preheat the oven to the desired temperature and bake the cinnamon rolls in the cast iron skillet for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
Once they are done baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the cinnamon rolls cool for a few minutes. Drizzle them with a cream cheese glaze or icing of your choice, and serve them warm.
Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out. Lightly flour a clean surface and place the dough on it. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangular shape, about ¼ inch thick. Make sure to keep the thickness even throughout.
If the dough starts to stick to the rolling pin or the surface, sprinkle a little more flour on top. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the cinnamon rolls dry.
Once the dough is rolled out, it’s time to add the filling. Start by spreading softened butter all over the surface of the dough. Make sure to leave about a 1-inch border around the edges.
Next, sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Use your hands or a spatula to spread it out, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Adding Optional Fillings
If desired, you can add additional fillings like raisins or chopped nuts at this point. Simply sprinkle them over the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Note: While the classic cinnamon roll recipe doesn’t usually include nuts or raisins, feel free to experiment and add your favorite toppings.
Once you have added any additional fillings, it’s time to roll the dough. Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Make sure to roll it as evenly as possible, applying gentle pressure to seal it as you go.
Once rolled, use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice the log into individual cinnamon rolls. A good rule of thumb is to aim for slices that are about 1 ½ inches thick.
Create the Cinnamon Filling
To create the delicious cinnamon filling for your cast iron skillet cinnamon rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Step 1: Soften the Butter
Start by softening the unsalted butter. You can do this by leaving it out at room temperature for around 30 minutes or by microwaving it for a few seconds until it becomes soft.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, packed light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Use a fork or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
Tip: For an extra kick of flavor, you can also add some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon filling.
Note: Make sure the butter is softened, but not melted, as a melted butter will make the filling too runny.
Once the cinnamon filling is ready, you can spread it evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Continue following the recipe instructions to complete your cast iron skillet cinnamon rolls. Enjoy!
Bake and Serve Your Cinnamon Rolls
Once you have prepared your cinnamon roll dough and filled it with the delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture, it’s time to bake them in your trusty cast iron skillet. The skillet’s heat retention properties will ensure that your cinnamon rolls cook evenly and develop a golden brown crust. Follow these steps to bake and serve your cinnamon rolls:
- Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature stated in your cinnamon roll recipe.
- Place your prepared cinnamon rolls with the filling side up into the greased cast iron skillet, leaving some space between each roll for them to rise.
- Cover the skillet with a clean kitchen towel and let the cinnamon rolls rise for the specified amount of time in your recipe. This will allow the dough to become light and fluffy.
- Once the cinnamon rolls have risen, remove the kitchen towel and place the skillet in the preheated oven.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls according to your recipe’s instructions, usually until they are golden brown on top and cooked through in the center. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
- Once baked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts or pot holders, as the handle will be hot.
- Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for a few minutes in the skillet before frosting them. This will prevent the frosting from melting too quickly.
- You can choose to frost your cinnamon rolls while they are still warm or let them cool completely before adding the frosting, depending on your preference.
- For an extra special touch, drizzle additional icing over the cinnamon rolls just before serving. This will add a glossy and decadent finish.
- Serve your baked cinnamon rolls directly from the cast iron skillet for a rustic and charming presentation.
Enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls straight from the oven, with their comforting warmth and irresistible aroma filling the air. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a delightful dessert, these cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit among family and friends.
FAQ
What is the best type of cast iron skillet to use for making cinnamon rolls?
The best type of cast iron skillet to use for making cinnamon rolls is a 10-inch skillet. This size provides enough space for the cinnamon rolls to rise and bake evenly.
Can I use a different type of pan instead of a cast iron skillet?
While a cast iron skillet is recommended for making cinnamon rolls because of its ability to distribute heat evenly, you can also use a regular baking dish or cake pan. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly as different pans may require different baking times.
Can I make the dough for cinnamon rolls in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough for cinnamon rolls in advance. After preparing the dough, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake the cinnamon rolls, let the dough come to room temperature before proceeding with shaping and baking.
