Giant Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Recipe: A Weekend Baking Delight

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of a giant fluffy cinnamon roll, the perfect weekend treat! This recipe guides you through creating a massive, incredibly soft, and perfectly spiced cinnamon roll that's guaranteed to impress. Forget those tiny, underwhelming rolls; this recipe delivers a show-stopping baked good ideal for sharing (or not!).

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up even for novice bakers. Make sure you have these on hand before you start:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 ½ - 5 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions: The Art of the Giant Cinnamon Roll

Follow these steps carefully to achieve that perfect, giant, fluffy texture:

1. Making the Dough:

• Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is alive and active.
• Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
• Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft dough forms.
• Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
• First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Preparing the Filling:

• Creamy Butter Mixture: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. This creates a rich, flavorful filling.

3. Assembling the Giant Roll:

• Roll it Out: On a lightly floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle (approximately 18x24 inches). The larger the rectangle, the taller your roll will be!
• Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over the dough.
• Tightly Roll: Starting from a long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
• Cut and Place: With a sharp knife, cut the log in half. Then cut each half into two equal pieces, resulting in four large rolls. You can also adjust this depending on the size you want.
• Place in Pan: Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.

4. Second Rise & Baking:

• Second Rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
• Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Use a toothpick to check for doneness – it should come out clean.

5. Making the Glaze:

• Simple Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.

6. The Grand Finale:

• Glaze it Up: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously drizzle with the glaze.

Tips for Success:

• Warm Milk is Key: Using warm milk activates the yeast properly, leading to a fluffier dough.
• Don't Over-Knead: Over-kneading can result in a tough cinnamon roll.
• Gentle Handling: Be gentle when handling the dough to avoid deflating it.
• Proper Rising Time: Allow sufficient rising time for a light and airy texture.

This giant fluffy cinnamon roll recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the baking process and the delicious results! Remember to share your baking creations on social media and tag us! (Add your social media handles here if applicable). Happy baking!